Semi-chemical fluting paper exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $29.3 million of semi-chemical fluting paper in 2024 (37.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 9th of 79 countries for exports of this product. Value rose 56% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $29.3M | 37.9K t |
| 2023 | $18.7M | 23.2K t |
| 2022 | $20.7M | 23.0K t |
| 2021 | $26.2M | 41.8K t |
| 2020 | $27.1M | 44.4K t |
| 2019 | $16.8M | 25.8K t |
| 2018 | $32.9M | 48.5K t |
| 2017 | $32.0M | 62.7K t |
Where South Africa exports semi-chemical fluting paper to
Most of it went to Zimbabwe (25%), Philippines (14%), Kenya (13%). Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $7.3M | 25% |
| Philippines | $4.1M | 14% |
| Kenya | $3.7M | 13% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $2.4M | 8.3% |
| Zambia | $1.4M | 4.8% |
| Egypt | $1.3M | 4.5% |
| Lesotho | $1.3M | 4.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.3M | 4.3% |
| Namibia | $842K | 2.9% |
| Ghana | $838K | 2.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.77 per kg, 20% above the world average of $0.64. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Semi-chemical fluting paper imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported semi-chemical fluting paper worth $3.0 million (4.3 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Finland accounted for 89% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | $2.7M | 89% |
| Spain | $163K | 5.4% |
| Canada | $76K | 2.5% |
| Brazil | $39K | 1.3% |
| Germany | $29K | 1% |
| United States | $10K | 0.3% |
| China | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa semi-chemical fluting paper exports (HS 4805.11): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 4805.11: Paper and paperboard: uncoated, semi-chemical fluting paper, rolls or sheets.
Common questions
What is the value of semi-chemical fluting paper exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported semi-chemical fluting paper worth $29.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 37.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 79 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 56% on 2023.
Which countries buy semi-chemical fluting paper from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 25% of the value ($7.3 million), followed by the Philippines (14%) and Kenya (13%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 30 buyer countries in total. Ghana grew fastest among the top ten, up 879% on the year.
What is the average export price of semi-chemical fluting paper per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.77 per kg in 2024, 20% above the world average of $0.64 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of semi-chemical fluting paper from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $32.0 million in 2017 to $29.3 million in 2024, a fall of 9%. The peak was 2018 at $32.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $25.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import semi-chemical fluting paper?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Finland, Spain and Canada. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $26.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for semi-chemical fluting paper?
The HS code for semi-chemical fluting paper is subheading 4805.11. It sits in HS chapter 48 (paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4805 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World semi-chemical fluting paper trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
- Fluting paper (other types)
- Light testliner (recycled linerboard, under 150g/m2)
- Uncoated paperboard (light, under 150g/m2)
- Uncoated paperboard (medium, 150-225g/m2)
- Heavy testliner (recycled linerboard, over 150g/m2)
- Filter paper and paperboard
- Uncoated paperboard (heavy, 225g/m2+)
- All South Africa trade data
- HS 4805 codes
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