South Africa: Self-Adhesive Printed Label Market 2025

Self-Adhesive Printed Label Market Size in South Africa

The South African self-adhesive printed label market was estimated at $X in 2022, approximately reflecting the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Self-Adhesive Printed Label Production in South Africa

In value terms, self-adhesive printed label production fell modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 11%. Self-adhesive printed label production peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Self-Adhesive Printed Label Exports

Exports from South Africa

After five years of growth, overseas shipments of self-adhesive printed labels decreased by -24.8% to X tons in 2022. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 31%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2021, and then declined remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, self-adhesive printed label exports dropped to $X in 2022. In general, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 31%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Mozambique (X tons) was the main destination for self-adhesive printed label exports from South Africa, accounting for a 59% share of total exports. Moreover, self-adhesive printed label exports to Mozambique exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Namibia (X tons), fivefold. Zambia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 7.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Mozambique totaled +9.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (+7.4% per year) and Zambia (-0.6% per year).

In value terms, the largest markets for self-adhesive printed label exported from South Africa were Mozambique ($X), Namibia ($X) and Zambia ($X), with a combined 65% share of total exports.

Namibia, with a CAGR of +9.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average self-adhesive printed label export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 23% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a mild shrinkage. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Mozambique ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Botswana (+8.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Self-Adhesive Printed Label Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, supplies from abroad of self-adhesive printed labels increased by 12% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after five years of decline. Overall, total imports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +62.5% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 45% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2015; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

In value terms, self-adhesive printed label imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. In general, imports continue to indicate mild growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 28% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), Germany (X tons) and the United States (X tons) were the main suppliers of self-adhesive printed label imports to South Africa, with a combined 83% share of total imports. Thailand, Austria, India and Greece lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 9.1%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Thailand (with a CAGR of +83.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X) constituted the largest supplier of self-adhesive printed labels to South Africa, comprising 51% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Thailand, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Germany stood at +5.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-0.1% per year) and Thailand (+89.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average self-adhesive printed label import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 14% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced downturn. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Greece ($X per ton), while the price for China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Thailand (+3.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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