Softwood plywood imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of softwood plywood by South Africa reached $13.5 million in 2024 (23.7 thousand tonnes). Value fell 4% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $32.5 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 | $13.5M | 23.7K t |
| 2023 | $14.1M | 16.7K t |
| 2022 | $32.5M | 35.1K t |
| 2021 | $15.3M | 13.1K t |
| 2020 | $10.3M | 12.5K t |
| 2019 | $19.2M | 21.7K t |
| 2018 | $20.1M | 24.7K t |
| 2017 | $19.8M | 27.1K t |
Where South Africa imports softwood plywood from
The largest suppliers were Brazil (45%), China (31%), Malaysia (6%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+734% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $6.1M | 45% |
| China | $4.2M | 31% |
| Malaysia | $748K | 5.5% |
| Indonesia | $705K | 5.2% |
| India | $528K | 3.9% |
| United Kingdom | $284K | 2.1% |
| Ghana | $222K | 1.7% |
| Thailand | $193K | 1.4% |
| Turkey | $100K | 0.7% |
| Gabon | $87K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.57 per kg, close to the world average of $0.66.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Softwood plywood exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported softwood plywood worth $10.3 million (13.3 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to United Kingdom (29%), Italy (25%), Belgium (22%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+126% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $3.0M | 29% |
| Italy | $2.5M | 25% |
| Belgium | $2.2M | 22% |
| Botswana | $1.0M | 9.9% |
| Namibia | $560K | 5.4% |
| Netherlands | $253K | 2.5% |
| Cyprus | $134K | 1.3% |
| New Zealand | $108K | 1% |
| Mozambique | $91K | 0.9% |
| Seychelles | $71K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa softwood plywood imports (HS 4412.39): 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 4412.39: Plywood: consisting only of sheets of wood (not bamboo), each ply 6mm or thinner, with both outer plies of coniferous wood.
Common questions
What is the value of softwood plywood imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported softwood plywood worth $13.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 23.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply softwood plywood to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($6.1 million), followed by China (31%) and Malaysia (6%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 734% on the year.
What is the average import price of softwood plywood per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.57 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $0.66 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of softwood plywood to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $19.8 million in 2017 to $13.5 million in 2024, a fall of 32%. The peak was 2022 at $32.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $18.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export softwood plywood?
Yes. South Africa exported $10.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Kingdom, Italy and Belgium. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for softwood plywood?
The HS code for softwood plywood is subheading 4412.39. It sits in HS chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4412 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.
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