Sulfite wood pulp imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported sulfite wood pulp worth $2.5 million (2.3 thousand tonnes). Value fell 3% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 28% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $25.5 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 | $2.5M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $2.6M | 2.2K t |
| 2022 | $2.5M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $1.8M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $1.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $1.9M | 2.2K t |
| 2018 | $3.1M | 3.5K t |
| 2017 | $25.5M | 44.5K t |
Where South Africa imports sulfite wood pulp from
United States alone supplied 74% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.9M | 74% |
| Germany | $590K | 23% |
| United Kingdom | $44K | 1.7% |
| Uruguay | $23K | 0.9% |
| France | $2K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 4704
| 4704.21 | Wood pulp: chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous wood | 75% |
| 4704.29 | Wood pulp: chemical wood pulp, sulphite, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of non-coniferous wood | 25% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4704.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.08 per kg, close to the world average of $0.94.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
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
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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 4704: Chemical wood pulp, sulphite, other than dissolving grades.
Common questions
What is the value of sulfite wood pulp imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sulfite wood pulp worth $2.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 121 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply sulfite wood pulp to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 74% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by Germany (23%) and the United Kingdom (2%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 5 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of sulfite wood pulp per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.08 per kg in 2024, 15% above the world average of $0.94 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 imports of sulfite wood pulp to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $25.5 million in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2024, a fall of 90%. The peak was 2017 at $25.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for sulfite wood pulp?
The HS code for sulfite wood pulp is heading 4704. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4704.21 (75% of the value) and 4704.29 (25%). 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 4704 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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