Waste paper exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported waste paper worth $41.3 million (243.6 thousand tonnes). That is 45% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $41.3M | 243.6K t |
| 2023 | $28.5M | 175.1K t |
| 2022 | $36.5M | 160.2K t |
| 2021 | $34.1M | 153.1K t |
| 2020 | $12.7M | 106.8K t |
| 2019 | $23.6M | 116.0K t |
| 2018 | $35.0M | 211.7K t |
| 2017 | $25.2M | 132.0K t |
Where South Africa exports waste paper to
One buyer market dominates: India accounted for 81% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Singapore grew fastest (+76% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $33.5M | 81% |
| Singapore | $2.3M | 5.5% |
| Eswatini | $984K | 2.4% |
| Belgium | $772K | 1.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $720K | 1.7% |
| Tanzania | $429K | 1% |
| Senegal | $409K | 1% |
| Zambia | $323K | 0.8% |
| Thailand | $267K | 0.7% |
| United States | $222K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 4707
| 4707.10 | Paper or paperboard: waste and scrap, of unbleached kraft paper or paperboard or corrugated paper or paperboard | 57% |
| 4707.90 | Paper or paperboard: waste and scrap, of paper or paperboard n.e.c. in heading no. 4707 and of unsorted waste and scrap | 18% |
| 4707.30 | Paper or paperboard: waste and scrap, paper or paperboard made mainly of mechanical pulp (e.g. newspapers, journals and similar printed matter) | 13% |
| 4707.20 | Paper or paperboard: waste and scrap, paper or paperboard made mainly of bleached chemical pulp, not coloured in the mass | 13% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4707.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.17 per kg, close to the world average of $0.19.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Waste paper imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported waste paper worth $5.1 million (50.9 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Morocco (37%), Namibia (24%), Mozambique (14%). Among the main suppliers, Morocco grew fastest (+268% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | $1.9M | 37% |
| Namibia | $1.2M | 24% |
| Mozambique | $704K | 14% |
| Botswana | $534K | 10% |
| Eswatini | $387K | 7.5% |
| Lesotho | $185K | 3.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $119K | 2.3% |
| United States | $35K | 0.7% |
| China | $7K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $6K | 0.1% |
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 4707: Waste and scrap of paper and paperboard.
Common questions
What is the value of waste paper exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported waste paper worth $41.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 243.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 173 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 45% on 2023.
Which countries buy waste paper from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 81% of the value ($33.5 million), followed by Singapore (6%) and Eswatini (2%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 42 buyer countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 314% on the year.
What is the average export price of waste paper per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.17 per kg in 2024, 11% below the world average of $0.19 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 waste paper from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $25.2 million in 2017 to $41.3 million in 2024, an increase of 64%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import waste paper?
Yes. South Africa imported $5.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Morocco, Namibia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $36.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for waste paper?
The HS code for waste paper is heading 4707. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4707.10 (57% of the value) and 4707.90 (18%). It sits in HS chapter 47 (pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4707 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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