Transfers and decals exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported transfers and decals worth $3.6 million (100 tonnes). That is 12% more than in 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 | $3.6M | 100 t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 109 t |
| 2022 | $3.6M | 77 t |
| 2021 | $3.5M | 101 t |
| 2020 | $3.5M | 69 t |
| 2019 | $3.5M | 126 t |
| 2018 | $3.1M | 91 t |
| 2017 | $3.3M | 129 t |
Where South Africa exports transfers and decals to
One buyer market dominates: Saudi Arabia accounted for 59% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+66% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $2.1M | 59% |
| United Kingdom | $462K | 13% |
| United States | $246K | 6.9% |
| Netherlands | $128K | 3.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $89K | 2.5% |
| Australia | $52K | 1.5% |
| Morocco | $51K | 1.4% |
| Thailand | $45K | 1.3% |
| Mozambique | $42K | 1.2% |
| Namibia | $41K | 1.1% |
Product types under HS 4908
| 4908.10 | Printed matter: transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable | 77% |
| 4908.90 | Printed matter: transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable | 23% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4908.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $35.65 per kg, 37% above the world average of $26.07. 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.
Transfers and decals imports to South Africa
Imports of transfers and decals by South Africa reached $1.9 million in 2024 (94 tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (32%), United States (14%), Hong Kong (8%). Among the main suppliers, Austria grew fastest (+284% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $617K | 32% |
| United States | $268K | 14% |
| Hong Kong | $164K | 8.4% |
| Germany | $139K | 7.2% |
| Cambodia | $107K | 5.5% |
| United Kingdom | $103K | 5.3% |
| Italy | $95K | 4.9% |
| South Korea | $87K | 4.4% |
| Austria | $86K | 4.4% |
| Thailand | $50K | 2.6% |
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 4908: Transfers (decalcomanias).
Common questions
What is the value of transfers and decals exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported transfers and decals worth $3.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 100 tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 147 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries buy transfers and decals from South Africa?
Saudi Arabia was the largest buyer with 59% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by the United Kingdom (13%) and the United States (7%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 77 buyer countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 320% on the year.
What is the average export price of transfers and decals per kg?
The average declared export value was about $35.65 per kg in 2024, 37% above the world average of $26.07 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 transfers and decals from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.3 million in 2017 to $3.6 million in 2024, an increase of 10%. The peak was 2022 at $3.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import transfers and decals?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United States and Hong Kong. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for transfers and decals?
The HS code for transfers and decals is heading 4908. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4908.10 (77% of the value) and 4908.90 (23%). It sits in HS chapter 49 (printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4908 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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