Veneer sheets imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $10.6 million of veneer sheets in 2024 (2.2 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $10.6M | 2.2K t |
| 2023 | $10.6M | 2.1K t |
| 2022 | $11.3M | 21.7K t |
| 2021 | $9.0M | 2.8K t |
| 2020 | $8.1M | 3.5K t |
| 2019 | $9.3M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $10.8M | 3.4K t |
| 2017 | $12.3M | 6.3K t |
Where South Africa imports veneer sheets from
Most of the value came from United States (33%), China (29%), Gabon (6%). Among the main suppliers, Portugal grew fastest (+636% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3.5M | 33% |
| China | $3.1M | 29% |
| Gabon | $616K | 5.8% |
| Spain | $547K | 5.2% |
| Portugal | $469K | 4.4% |
| Germany | $418K | 3.9% |
| Italy | $322K | 3% |
| Malaysia | $286K | 2.7% |
| Ghana | $205K | 1.9% |
| Sierra Leone | $187K | 1.8% |
Product types under HS 4408
| 4408.90 | Wood: n.e.c. in heading no. 4408, sheets for veneer or plywood, other wood sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or… | 87% |
| 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… | 13% |
| 4408.10 | Wood: coniferous, sheets for veneering (including those obtained by slicing laminated wood), for plywood or similar laminated wood and other wood… | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4408.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.87 per kg, 441% above the world average of $0.90. 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.
Veneer sheets exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $5.4 million of veneer sheets in 2024 (46.5 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to China (34%), India (20%), New Zealand (15%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+169% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.9M | 34% |
| India | $1.1M | 20% |
| New Zealand | $817K | 15% |
| United Kingdom | $397K | 7.3% |
| Australia | $349K | 6.4% |
| Namibia | $218K | 4% |
| Mauritius | $133K | 2.4% |
| Philippines | $111K | 2% |
| Austria | $109K | 2% |
| Zimbabwe | $68K | 1.3% |
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 4408: Sheets for veneering (including those obtained by slicing laminated wood), for plywood or for similar laminated wood and other wood, sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, planed or not, sanded, spliced or end-jointed, of a thickness not exceeding 6 mm.
Common questions
What is the value of veneer sheets imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported veneer sheets worth $10.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 52nd of 197 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply veneer sheets to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($3.5 million), followed by China (29%) and Gabon (6%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. Portugal grew fastest among the top ten, up 636% on the year.
What is the average import price of veneer sheets per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.87 per kg in 2024, 441% above the world average of $0.90 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 veneer sheets to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.3 million in 2017 to $10.6 million in 2024, a fall of 14%. The peak was 2017 at $12.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export veneer sheets?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to China, India and New Zealand. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for veneer sheets?
The HS code for veneer sheets is heading 4408. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4408.90 (87% of the value) and 4408.39 (13%). 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?
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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