Semi-chemical wood pulp exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported semi-chemical wood pulp worth $4.2 million (13.0 thousand tonnes). That is 65% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 275% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $6.1 million.
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 | $4.2M | 13.0K t |
| 2023 | $2.5M | 4.7K t |
| 2022 | $6.1M | 7.1K t |
| 2021 | $829K | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $170K | 135 t |
| 2019 | $548K | 873 t |
| 2018 | $1K | 3 t |
| 2017 | $0K | 10 t |
Where South Africa exports semi-chemical wood pulp to
One buyer market dominates: India accounted for 72% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+71% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.0M | 72% |
| Saudi Arabia | $790K | 19% |
| Malawi | $354K | 8.5% |
| Botswana | $24K | 0.6% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| Spain | $0K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.32 per kg, 41% below the world average of $0.54, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Semi-chemical wood pulp imports to South Africa
Imports of semi-chemical wood pulp by South Africa reached $1.0 million in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (46%), Sweden (28%), Netherlands (13%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+149% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $470K | 46% |
| Sweden | $283K | 28% |
| Netherlands | $136K | 13% |
| United States | $95K | 9.3% |
| Norway | $43K | 4.2% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 4705: Wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes.
Common questions
What is the value of semi-chemical wood pulp exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported semi-chemical wood pulp worth $4.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 58 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 65% on 2023.
Which countries buy semi-chemical wood pulp from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 72% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Saudi Arabia (19%) and Malawi (8%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 15 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 800% on the year.
What is the average export price of semi-chemical wood pulp per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.32 per kg in 2024, 41% below the world average of $0.54 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of semi-chemical wood pulp from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $0 thousand in 2017 to $4.2 million in 2024. The peak was 2022 at $6.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import semi-chemical wood pulp?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Sweden and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for semi-chemical wood pulp?
The HS code for semi-chemical wood pulp is heading 4705. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 4705.00. It sits in HS chapter 47 (pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4705 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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