Tropical veneer sheets exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of tropical veneer sheets by South Africa reached $2.6 million in 2024 (33.6 thousand tonnes). That is 212% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 32% a year on average.
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 | $2.6M | 33.6K t |
| 2023 | $835K | 12.2K t |
| 2022 | $638K | 5.2K t |
| 2021 | $187K | 360 t |
| 2020 | $241K | 458 t |
| 2019 | $231K | 240 t |
| 2018 | $105K | 80 t |
| 2017 | $376K | 233 t |
Where South Africa exports tropical veneer sheets to
China alone took 71% of it. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+194% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.8M | 71% |
| India | $637K | 24% |
| Austria | $76K | 2.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $22K | 0.9% |
| Eswatini | $13K | 0.5% |
| New Zealand | $6K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $4K | 0.1% |
| Angola | $4K | 0.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $3K | 0.1% |
| Mozambique | $3K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.08 per kg, 83% below the world average of $0.47, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Tropical veneer sheets imports to South Africa
Imports of tropical veneer sheets by South Africa reached $1.4 million in 2024 (610 tonnes). Most of the value came from Gabon (31%), Spain (25%), Italy (12%). Among the main suppliers, Portugal grew fastest (+614% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Gabon | $434K | 31% |
| Spain | $351K | 25% |
| Italy | $177K | 13% |
| Ghana | $161K | 11% |
| United States | $134K | 9.5% |
| Portugal | $86K | 6.1% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $39K | 2.8% |
| China | $14K | 1% |
| Germany | $12K | 0.9% |
| Austria | $9K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa tropical veneer sheets exports (HS 4408.39): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 4408.39: Wood, of tropical wood: as in Subheading note 2 to this Chapter, n.e.c. in heading no. 4408.31, sheets for veneer or plywood, other wood sawn length wise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed, not thicker than 6mm.
Common questions
What is the value of tropical veneer sheets exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported tropical veneer sheets worth $2.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 33.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 97 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 212% on 2023.
Which countries buy tropical veneer sheets from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 71% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by India (24%) and Austria (3%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 14 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 194% on the year.
What is the average export price of tropical veneer sheets per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.08 per kg in 2024, 83% below the world average of $0.47 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of tropical veneer sheets from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $376 thousand in 2017 to $2.6 million in 2024, an increase of 593%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $652 thousand a year.
Does South Africa also import tropical veneer sheets?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Gabon, Spain and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for tropical veneer sheets?
The HS code for tropical veneer sheets is subheading 4408.39. It sits in HS chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4408 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 tropical veneer sheets trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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