Shaped tropical wood imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported shaped tropical wood worth $5.3 million (3.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 35% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 13% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $7.1 million.
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 | $5.3M | 3.0K t |
| 2023 | $3.9M | 2.0K t |
| 2022 | $7.1M | 3.3K t |
| 2021 | $6.0M | 3.7K t |
| 2020 | $2.9M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $4.0M | 2.2K t |
| 2018 | $4.0M | 1.9K t |
| 2017 | $2.3M | 1.7K t |
Where South Africa imports shaped tropical wood from
Most of the value came from Brazil (45%), Indonesia (20%), Bolivia (18%). Among the main suppliers, Peru grew fastest (+162% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $2.4M | 45% |
| Indonesia | $1.1M | 20% |
| Bolivia | $969K | 18% |
| China | $282K | 5.3% |
| Peru | $242K | 4.5% |
| Malaysia | $166K | 3.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $53K | 1% |
| Singapore | $45K | 0.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $41K | 0.8% |
| Chile | $33K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.75 per kg, 25% above the world average of $1.40. 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.
Shaped tropical wood exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported shaped tropical wood worth $642 thousand (521 tonnes). Most of it went to Maldives (40%), Namibia (31%), Lesotho (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+107% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Maldives | $259K | 40% |
| Namibia | $197K | 31% |
| Lesotho | $100K | 16% |
| Botswana | $24K | 3.8% |
| Mauritius | $20K | 3.1% |
| France | $19K | 2.9% |
| DR Congo | $6K | 0.9% |
| Kenya | $6K | 0.9% |
| Eswatini | $4K | 0.7% |
| Mozambique | $3K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa shaped tropical wood imports (HS 4409.22): 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 4409.22: Wood: tropical (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 tropical wood imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported shaped tropical wood worth $5.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 158 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 35% on 2023.
Which countries supply shaped tropical wood to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by Indonesia (20%) and Bolivia (18%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 14 supplier countries in total. Peru grew fastest among the top ten, up 162% on the year.
What is the average import price of shaped tropical wood per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.75 per kg in 2024, 25% above the world average of $1.40 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of shaped tropical wood to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.3 million in 2017 to $5.3 million in 2024, an increase of 134%. The peak was 2022 at $7.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export shaped tropical wood?
Yes. South Africa exported $642 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Maldives, Namibia and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for shaped tropical wood?
The HS code for shaped tropical wood is subheading 4409.22. 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World shaped tropical wood trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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