Transfer paper and stencils imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $8.3 million of transfer paper and stencils in 2024 (3.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 7% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $12.9 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 | $8.3M | 3.3K t |
| 2023 | $7.8M | 3.3K t |
| 2022 | $8.0M | 2.7K t |
| 2021 | $12.2M | 3.6K t |
| 2020 | $6.7M | 3.1K t |
| 2019 | $12.9M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $9.5M | 3.9K t |
| 2017 | $10.8M | 5.9K t |
Where South Africa imports transfer paper and stencils from
Most of the value came from Japan (36%), China (34%), Germany (10%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+55% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $3.0M | 36% |
| China | $2.8M | 34% |
| Germany | $847K | 10% |
| Thailand | $801K | 9.6% |
| Indonesia | $633K | 7.6% |
| India | $55K | 0.7% |
| Malaysia | $40K | 0.5% |
| South Korea | $29K | 0.4% |
| Mexico | $19K | 0.2% |
| Czech Republic | $18K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 4816
| 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 | 64% |
| 4816.20 | Paper: self-copy paper (other than those of heading no. 4809), whether or not put up in boxes | 36% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4816.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.56 per kg, 29% above the world average of $1.98. 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 stencils exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.0 million of transfer paper and stencils in 2024 (289 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (49%), Kenya (17%), Saudi Arabia (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $508K | 49% |
| Kenya | $172K | 17% |
| Saudi Arabia | $86K | 8.3% |
| Mozambique | $67K | 6.4% |
| Eswatini | $42K | 4.1% |
| Tanzania | $30K | 2.9% |
| Botswana | $29K | 2.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $22K | 2.1% |
| Ghana | $19K | 1.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $17K | 1.6% |
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 4816: Carbon paper, self-copy paper and other copying or transfer papers, (other than those of heading no. 4809), duplicator stencils and offset plates, of paper whether or not put up in boxes.
Common questions
What is the value of transfer paper and stencils imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported transfer paper and stencils worth $8.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 213 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply transfer paper and stencils to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by China (34%) and Germany (10%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 934% on the year.
What is the average import price of transfer paper and stencils per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.56 per kg in 2024, 29% above the world average of $1.98 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 transfer paper and stencils to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.8 million in 2017 to $8.3 million in 2024, a fall of 22%. The peak was 2019 at $12.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export transfer paper and stencils?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Kenya and Saudi Arabia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for transfer paper and stencils?
The HS code for transfer paper and stencils is heading 4816. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4816.90 (64% of the value) and 4816.20 (36%). 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?
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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