Tissue paper exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of tissue paper by South Africa reached $19.8 million in 2024 (16.1 thousand tonnes). Value fell 10% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $19.8M | 16.1K t |
| 2023 | $21.9M | 16.8K t |
| 2022 | $18.4M | 14.7K t |
| 2021 | $18.6M | 15.7K t |
| 2020 | $14.2M | 15.1K t |
| 2019 | $11.5M | 10.6K t |
| 2018 | $14.3M | 14.1K t |
| 2017 | $12.6M | 10.4K t |
Where South Africa exports tissue paper to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (38%), Zambia (34%), Malawi (9%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $7.4M | 38% |
| Zambia | $6.7M | 34% |
| Malawi | $1.8M | 9.1% |
| Botswana | $1.3M | 6.6% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 5.7% |
| Eswatini | $384K | 1.9% |
| Mozambique | $291K | 1.5% |
| DR Congo | $194K | 1% |
| Tanzania | $172K | 0.9% |
| Kenya | $81K | 0.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.22 per kg, close to the world average of $1.38.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Tissue paper imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $17.9 million of tissue paper in 2024 (24.5 thousand tonnes). Indonesia alone supplied 77% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $13.8M | 77% |
| Germany | $1.0M | 5.6% |
| China | $879K | 4.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $550K | 3.1% |
| Brazil | $522K | 2.9% |
| Greece | $228K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $198K | 1.1% |
| Netherlands | $164K | 0.9% |
| Finland | $112K | 0.6% |
| Sweden | $105K | 0.6% |
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
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.
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 4803: Tissue, towel, napkin stock or similar; for household or sanitary uses, cellulose wadding, webs of cellulose fibres, in rolls over 36cm in width or rectangular sheets with one side exceeding 36cm when unfolded.
Common questions
What is the value of tissue paper exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported tissue paper worth $19.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 16.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 150 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries buy tissue paper from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 38% of the value ($7.4 million), followed by Zambia (34%) and Malawi (9%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 40 buyer countries in total. Kenya grew fastest among the top ten, up 189% on the year.
What is the average export price of tissue paper per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.22 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $1.38 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 exports of tissue paper from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $12.6 million in 2017 to $19.8 million in 2024, an increase of 57%. The peak was 2023 at $21.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import tissue paper?
Yes. South Africa imported $17.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Indonesia, Germany and China. That compares with exports of $19.8 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for tissue paper?
The HS code for tissue paper is heading 4803. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 4803.00. 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 4803 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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