Transfer paper and stencil paper imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $5.4 million of transfer paper and stencil paper in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). It ranks 9th of 207 countries for imports of this product. That is 6% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $8.3 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 | $5.4M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $5.7M | 2.0K t |
| 2022 | $5.0M | 1.0K t |
| 2021 | $8.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $3.2M | 826 t |
| 2019 | $7.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $4.6M | 881 t |
| 2017 | $5.9M | 2.7K t |
Where South Africa imports transfer paper and stencil paper from
Japan alone supplied 57% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $3.0M | 57% |
| China | $2.2M | 40% |
| Malaysia | $40K | 0.7% |
| South Korea | $29K | 0.5% |
| Thailand | $23K | 0.4% |
| Mexico | $19K | 0.4% |
| Czech Republic | $18K | 0.3% |
| Indonesia | $18K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $9K | 0.2% |
| United States | $6K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.17 per kg, 57% above the world average of $2.02. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Transfer paper and stencil paper exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported transfer paper and stencil paper worth $527 thousand (73 tonnes). Most of it went to Kenya (33%), Saudi Arabia (16%), Namibia (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $172K | 33% |
| Saudi Arabia | $86K | 16% |
| Namibia | $78K | 15% |
| Mozambique | $44K | 8.4% |
| Eswatini | $37K | 7% |
| Tanzania | $30K | 5.6% |
| Ghana | $19K | 3.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $17K | 3.2% |
| Botswana | $11K | 2.1% |
| Uganda | $8K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa transfer paper and stencil paper imports (HS 4816.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 4816.90: Paper: carbon paper and other copying or transfer papers (other than those of heading no. 4809), n.e.c. in item no. 4816.20.
Common questions
What is the value of transfer paper and stencil paper imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported transfer paper and stencil paper worth $5.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 207 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply transfer paper and stencil paper to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 57% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by China (40%) and Malaysia (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. Mexico grew fastest among the top ten, up 817% on the year.
What is the average import price of transfer paper and stencil paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.17 per kg in 2024, 57% above the world average of $2.02 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of transfer paper and stencil paper to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.9 million in 2017 to $5.4 million in 2024, a fall of 8%. The peak was 2021 at $8.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export transfer paper and stencil paper?
Yes. South Africa exported $527 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for transfer paper and stencil paper?
The HS code for transfer paper and stencil paper is subheading 4816.90. 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 4816 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World transfer paper and stencil paper trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.