Uncoated paperboard exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of uncoated paperboard by South Africa reached $68.6 million in 2024 (92.5 thousand tonnes). That is 35% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $91.0 million.
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 | $68.6M | 92.5K t |
| 2023 | $50.6M | 63.6K t |
| 2022 | $65.2M | 79.2K t |
| 2021 | $81.3M | 128.8K t |
| 2020 | $91.0M | 195.2K t |
| 2019 | $55.6M | 96.2K t |
| 2018 | $68.4M | 104.7K t |
| 2017 | $54.4M | 100.3K t |
Where South Africa exports uncoated paperboard to
Most of it went to Zambia (24%), Zimbabwe (18%), Kenya (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, Philippines grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $16.5M | 24% |
| Zimbabwe | $12.1M | 18% |
| Kenya | $5.7M | 8.3% |
| Philippines | $4.8M | 7% |
| Namibia | $4.4M | 6.4% |
| Madagascar | $3.3M | 4.9% |
| Egypt | $2.6M | 3.7% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $2.4M | 3.6% |
| Botswana | $2.2M | 3.2% |
| Mauritius | $2.1M | 3.1% |
Product types under HS 4805
| 4805.11 | Paper and paperboard: uncoated, semi-chemical fluting paper, rolls or sheets | 43% |
| 4805.19 | Paper and paperboard: uncoated, fluting paper other than semi-chemical or straw, rolls or sheets | 31% |
| 4805.24 | Paper & paperboard: uncoated, testliner (recycled linerboard), weight 150g/m2, or less, in rolls or sheets | 17% |
| 4805.91 | Paper and paperboard: uncoated, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no.4805 | 4.6% |
| 4805.25 | Paper & paperboard: uncoated, testliner (recycled linerboard), weight over 150g/m2, in rolls or sheets | 2.1% |
| 4805.40 | Paper and paperboard: filter paper and paperboard, uncoated, in rolls or sheets | 1.3% |
| 4805.92 | Paper and paperboard: uncoated, weight more than 150g/m2 but less than 225 g/m2, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no. 4805 | 1.3% |
| 4805.50 | Paper and paperboard: felt paper and paperboard, uncoated, in rolls or sheets | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4805.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.74 per kg, 32% above the world average of $0.56. 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.
Uncoated paperboard imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported uncoated paperboard worth $44.4 million (65.4 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Germany (23%), United Arab Emirates (16%), United Kingdom (15%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+66% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $10.1M | 23% |
| United Arab Emirates | $7.0M | 16% |
| United Kingdom | $6.6M | 15% |
| China | $4.4M | 9.9% |
| Finland | $2.8M | 6.3% |
| Italy | $1.8M | 4% |
| India | $1.8M | 4% |
| France | $1.7M | 3.9% |
| Brazil | $1.1M | 2.4% |
| Indonesia | $956K | 2.2% |
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 4805: Uncoated paper and paperboard n.e.c., in rolls or sheets.
Common questions
What is the value of uncoated paperboard exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported uncoated paperboard worth $68.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 92.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 144 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 35% on 2023.
Which countries buy uncoated paperboard from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 24% of the value ($16.5 million), followed by Zimbabwe (18%) and Kenya (8%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 44 buyer countries in total. Cote d'Ivoire grew fastest among the top ten, up 588% on the year.
What is the average export price of uncoated paperboard per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.74 per kg in 2024, 32% above the world average of $0.56 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 uncoated paperboard from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $54.4 million in 2017 to $68.6 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. The peak was 2020 at $91.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import uncoated paperboard?
Yes. South Africa imported $44.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $24.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for uncoated paperboard?
The HS code for uncoated paperboard is heading 4805. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4805.11 (43% of the value) and 4805.19 (31%). 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 4805 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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