Household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the South African household and sanitary paper market expanded, with volume growing from 242 000 t to 257 000 t. This increase was supported by a significant expansion of domestic production capacity, notably the new phase of Continental Paper & Packaging's tissue making plant in Johannesburg, which added 6 000 t of annual output. Industry associations like the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) actively promoted recycling, while major players such as Universal Paper & Plastics introduced new print designs and multi-pack formats to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Market volume contracted to 223 000 t in 2020, a period marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic which heightened focus on hygiene products while potentially disrupting operations. A sharp recovery followed in 2021, with market volume surging by 17% to 261 000 t and value exceeding 300 million USD, reflecting a post-pandemic rebound in demand. During this period, the industry continued to emphasize sustainable sourcing and environmental goals, influencing product development and consumer choice.

Growth continued through 2022 and 2023, with the market reaching 290 000 t in 2023. Manufacturers responded to consumer demand for variety by launching new multi-pack tissue products with varied designs. Ongoing industry-led recycling initiatives and the promotion of sustainable fibre sourcing remained central to the market's development throughout this period.

Production household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

On a global scale, South Africa ranked as the 20th largest producer of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets between 2018 and 2021.

Top producers of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2018-2021

World map of production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2018-2021

In 2021, South Africa produced 266.3 thousand tons of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, marking a 17.4% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 11.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 226.7 thousand tons, with the largest decline of 8.6% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the output of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in South Africa was valued at 306.7 million US dollars, representing a 52.6% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production value rose by 39%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 201.0 million US dollars, when the largest decline of 19.5% took place.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, South Africa's exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets totaled 15,983 tons, showing a slight decrease of 1.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 4.8%, with a CAGR of 1.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 11,385 tons, with the largest decline of 25.3% occurring that year. In contrast, the highest export volume was in 2020 at 16,183 tons, when the largest increase of 42.1% was observed.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for South Africa's exports in kind were Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana, which together accounted for 67.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets shipments from South Africa to abroad increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, South Africa exported 18,406 thousand US dollars worth of these products, up by 28.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 30.9%, with a CAGR of 9.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 11,449 thousand US dollars, when the largest decline of 18.6% occurred.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Zimbabwe (38.6% of exports in value terms), Zambia (19.4%), and Botswana (11.9%) were the primary buyers of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from South Africa, jointly accounting for 69.9% of total exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 10,592 tons, showing a solid decrease of 16.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 40.8%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 16.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 20,377 tons, with the largest increase of 13.9% occurring that year. The largest decline of 38.0% was recorded in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Indonesia (35.8% of imports in kind), the United Arab Emirates (19.1%), and China (18.3%) remained the main sources for imports in kind of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets to South Africa, jointly taking 73.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The volume of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets imports to South Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, South Africa imported 12,474 thousand US dollars worth of these products, marking a drop of 10.2% from a year earlier. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 46.1%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 18.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia (28.8% of imports in value terms), China (19.3%), and the United Arab Emirates (19.1%) remained the principal suppliers of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets to South Africa, jointly accounting for 67.3% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021