Wafer board exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported wafer board worth $3.6 million (3.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 26% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 13% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $9.9 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 | $3.6M | 3.7K t |
| 2023 | $4.8M | 4.9K t |
| 2022 | $5.2M | 5.0K t |
| 2021 | $6.7M | 6.3K t |
| 2020 | $5.4M | 34.0K t |
| 2019 | $8.3M | 12.7K t |
| 2018 | $9.7M | 12.6K t |
| 2017 | $9.9M | 12.9K t |
Where South Africa exports wafer board to
The largest buyer markets were Botswana (32%), Lesotho (29%), Eswatini (22%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+54% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.1M | 32% |
| Lesotho | $1.0M | 29% |
| Eswatini | $794K | 22% |
| Namibia | $215K | 6% |
| Malawi | $198K | 5.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $95K | 2.7% |
| Zambia | $58K | 1.6% |
| Angola | $40K | 1.1% |
| DR Congo | $14K | 0.4% |
| Mozambique | $11K | 0.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.96 per kg, 68% above the world average of $0.57. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa wafer board exports (HS 4410.19): 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 4410.19: Wafer board and similar board of wood n.e.c. in item no. 4410.1, whether or not agglomerated with resins or other organic binding substances.
Common questions
What is the value of wafer board exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported wafer board worth $3.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 96 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 26% on 2023.
Which countries buy wafer board from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 32% of the value ($1.1 million), followed by Lesotho (29%) and Eswatini (22%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 14 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 54% on the year.
What is the average export price of wafer board per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.96 per kg in 2024, 68% above the world average of $0.57 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of wafer board from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $9.9 million in 2017 to $3.6 million in 2024, a fall of 64%. The peak was 2017 at $9.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for wafer board?
The HS code for wafer board is subheading 4410.19. It sits in HS chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4410 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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