Typewriter ribbons imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of typewriter ribbons by South Africa reached $5.0 million in 2024 (472 tonnes). Value fell 19% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $9.0 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 | $5.0M | 472 t |
| 2023 | $6.2M | 228 t |
| 2022 | $7.6M | 267 t |
| 2021 | $9.0M | 341 t |
| 2020 | $4.8M | 189 t |
| 2019 | $7.0M | 279 t |
| 2018 | $8.4M | 332 t |
| 2017 | $8.9M | 342 t |
Where South Africa imports typewriter ribbons from
Most of the value came from Japan (33%), China (16%), Malaysia (8%). Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $1.6M | 33% |
| China | $826K | 17% |
| Malaysia | $410K | 8.2% |
| South Korea | $348K | 6.9% |
| Ireland | $331K | 6.6% |
| Netherlands | $296K | 5.9% |
| Thailand | $256K | 5.1% |
| Germany | $221K | 4.4% |
| France | $181K | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $92K | 1.8% |
Product types under HS 9612
| 9612.10 | Ribbons: for typewriters and the like, inked or otherwise prepared, for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges | 93% |
| 9612.20 | Ink pads: whether or not inked, with or without boxes | 6.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9612.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.62 per kg, 48% below the world average of $20.34, 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.
Typewriter ribbons exports from South Africa
Exports of typewriter ribbons by South Africa reached $3.7 million in 2024 (161 tonnes). Most of it went to Lesotho (43%), Eswatini (12%), Netherlands (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $1.6M | 43% |
| Eswatini | $428K | 12% |
| Netherlands | $356K | 9.7% |
| Namibia | $198K | 5.4% |
| Zambia | $172K | 4.7% |
| Spain | $149K | 4.1% |
| Botswana | $118K | 3.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $105K | 2.9% |
| Angola | $97K | 2.7% |
| Mozambique | $91K | 2.5% |
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 9612: Typewriter, similar ribbons, inked, otherwise prepared for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges; ink pads, whether or not inked, with or without boxes.
Common questions
What is the value of typewriter ribbons imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported typewriter ribbons worth $5.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 472 tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 214 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply typewriter ribbons to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($1.6 million), followed by China (16%) and Malaysia (8%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 50 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 61% on the year.
What is the average import price of typewriter ribbons per kg?
The average declared import value was about $10.62 per kg in 2024, 48% below the world average of $20.34 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 typewriter ribbons to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.9 million in 2017 to $5.0 million in 2024, a fall of 43%. The peak was 2021 at $9.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export typewriter ribbons?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Eswatini and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for typewriter ribbons?
The HS code for typewriter ribbons is heading 9612. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9612.10 (93% of the value) and 9612.20 (7%). It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9612 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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