Shaped softwood imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported shaped softwood worth $5.8 million (4.8 thousand tonnes). That is 20% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.8M | 4.8K t |
| 2023 | $4.9M | 4.4K t |
| 2022 | $5.0M | 4.1K t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 5.4K t |
| 2020 | $3.7M | 4.5K t |
| 2019 | $4.5M | 5.4K t |
| 2018 | $3.8M | 4.4K t |
| 2017 | $3.9M | 5.3K t |
Where South Africa imports shaped softwood from
Eswatini alone supplied 68% of it. Among the main suppliers, Estonia grew fastest (+43% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $4.0M | 68% |
| Malawi | $708K | 12% |
| Finland | $525K | 9% |
| Estonia | $460K | 7.9% |
| Austria | $78K | 1.3% |
| Turkey | $25K | 0.4% |
| Brazil | $23K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $22K | 0.4% |
| China | $19K | 0.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $18K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.21 per kg, close to the world average of $1.43.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Shaped softwood exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.3 million of shaped softwood in 2024 (6.3 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United Kingdom (29%), Seychelles (21%), Comoros (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Seychelles grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $977K | 29% |
| Seychelles | $702K | 21% |
| Comoros | $588K | 18% |
| Canada | $197K | 5.9% |
| Botswana | $124K | 3.7% |
| Switzerland | $103K | 3.1% |
| France | $92K | 2.7% |
| Namibia | $91K | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $84K | 2.5% |
| Cyprus | $76K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa shaped softwood imports (HS 4409.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 4409.10: Wood: coniferous (including unassembled strips and friezes for parquet flooring), continuously shaped along any edges, ends or faces, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed.
Common questions
What is the value of shaped softwood imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported shaped softwood worth $5.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 41st of 208 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 20% on 2023.
Which countries supply shaped softwood to South Africa?
Eswatini was the largest supplier with 68% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by Malawi (12%) and Finland (9%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. Austria grew fastest among the top ten, up 53% on the year.
What is the average import price of shaped softwood per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.21 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $1.43 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of shaped softwood to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.9 million in 2017 to $5.8 million in 2024, an increase of 49%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $4.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export shaped softwood?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Kingdom, the Seychelles and the Comoros. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for shaped softwood?
The HS code for shaped softwood is subheading 4409.10. It sits in HS chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4409 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.