Toilet paper and tissues exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of toilet paper and tissues by South Africa reached $68.2 million in 2024 (30.6 thousand tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $68.2M | 30.6K t |
| 2023 | $68.8M | 30.8K t |
| 2022 | $58.5M | 30.1K t |
| 2021 | $53.8M | 25.5K t |
| 2020 | $48.5M | 25.8K t |
| 2019 | $49.0M | 24.5K t |
| 2018 | $48.0M | 23.3K t |
| 2017 | $47.9M | 23.8K t |
Where South Africa exports toilet paper and tissues to
The largest buyer markets were Namibia (27%), Botswana (25%), Zimbabwe (15%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $18.3M | 27% |
| Botswana | $17.2M | 25% |
| Zimbabwe | $10.2M | 15% |
| Eswatini | $5.4M | 7.9% |
| Zambia | $4.3M | 6.3% |
| Mozambique | $4.0M | 5.9% |
| Lesotho | $4.0M | 5.8% |
| Malawi | $1.7M | 2.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $877K | 1.3% |
| DR Congo | $716K | 1.1% |
Product types under HS 4818
| 4818.10 | Paper articles: toilet paper | 73% |
| 4818.20 | Paper articles: handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels | 12% |
| 4818.90 | Paper articles: articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818 | 11% |
| 4818.30 | Paper articles: tablecloths and serviettes, of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres | 4.6% |
| 4818.50 | Paper articles: apparel and clothing accessories of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4818.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.22 per kg, close to the world average of $2.39.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Toilet paper and tissues imports to South Africa
Imports of toilet paper and tissues by South Africa reached $14.9 million in 2024 (6.0 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (35%), Germany (21%), France (13%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+68% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.2M | 35% |
| Germany | $3.2M | 21% |
| France | $1.9M | 13% |
| Italy | $974K | 6.5% |
| Netherlands | $829K | 5.6% |
| United Kingdom | $804K | 5.4% |
| Colombia | $726K | 4.9% |
| Kuwait | $279K | 1.9% |
| United States | $231K | 1.6% |
| Turkey | $108K | 0.7% |
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 4818: Toilet paper, width 36cm or less or cut to size/shape; handkerchiefs, tissues, towels, serviettes, bed sheets and similar household or hospital articles, apparel and clothing accessories of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres.
Common questions
What is the value of toilet paper and tissues exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported toilet paper and tissues worth $68.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 30.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 192 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries buy toilet paper and tissues from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 27% of the value ($18.3 million), followed by Botswana (25%) and Zimbabwe (15%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 78 buyer countries in total. Saudi Arabia grew fastest among the top ten, up 101% on the year.
What is the average export price of toilet paper and tissues per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.22 per kg in 2024, 7% below the world average of $2.39 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 toilet paper and tissues from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $47.9 million in 2017 to $68.2 million in 2024, an increase of 42%. The peak was 2023 at $68.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import toilet paper and tissues?
Yes. South Africa imported $14.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $53.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for toilet paper and tissues?
The HS code for toilet paper and tissues is heading 4818. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4818.10 (73% of the value) and 4818.20 (12%). 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 4818 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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