Small paper sacks and bags exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported small paper sacks and bags worth $18.0 million (8.3 thousand tonnes). Value rose 25% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average.
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 | $18.0M | 8.3K t |
| 2023 | $14.4M | 6.5K t |
| 2022 | $17.8M | 9.5K t |
| 2021 | $14.7M | 6.8K t |
| 2020 | $10.8M | 6.7K t |
| 2019 | $12.1M | 6.0K t |
| 2018 | $13.4M | 7.3K t |
| 2017 | $10.3M | 6.2K t |
Where South Africa exports small paper sacks and bags to
The largest buyer markets were Namibia (35%), Botswana (21%), Mozambique (14%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+308% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $6.2M | 35% |
| Botswana | $3.8M | 21% |
| Mozambique | $2.5M | 14% |
| Eswatini | $1.7M | 9.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.1M | 6.3% |
| Zambia | $1.0M | 5.8% |
| United States | $490K | 2.7% |
| Lesotho | $414K | 2.3% |
| Malawi | $145K | 0.8% |
| Mauritius | $102K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.17 per kg, 25% below the world average of $2.90, 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.
Small paper sacks and bags imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $11.2 million of small paper sacks and bags in 2024 (4.0 thousand tonnes). China alone supplied 76% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.5M | 76% |
| Italy | $992K | 8.9% |
| United Kingdom | $339K | 3% |
| United States | $285K | 2.5% |
| Spain | $255K | 2.3% |
| Netherlands | $189K | 1.7% |
| Germany | $144K | 1.3% |
| France | $95K | 0.9% |
| Hungary | $68K | 0.6% |
| Indonesia | $55K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa small paper sacks and bags exports (HS 4819.40): 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 4819.40: Paper and paperboard: sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm.
Common questions
What is the value of small paper sacks and bags exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported small paper sacks and bags worth $18.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 177 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 25% on 2023.
Which countries buy small paper sacks and bags from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 35% of the value ($6.2 million), followed by Botswana (21%) and Mozambique (14%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 68 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 308% on the year.
What is the average export price of small paper sacks and bags per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.17 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $2.90 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of small paper sacks and bags from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.3 million in 2017 to $18.0 million in 2024, an increase of 75%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $13.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also import small paper sacks and bags?
Yes. South Africa imported $11.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Italy and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $6.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for small paper sacks and bags?
The HS code for small paper sacks and bags is subheading 4819.40. 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 4819 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 small paper sacks and bags trade: top importers and exporters
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