The import of packing containers, including record sleeves, to South Africa has shown significant fluctuations over the past decade. In 2023, the import volume stood at 868.83 thousand kilograms. Notably, 2018 marked a dramatic increase with a year-on-year rise of 169.71%, followed by a slight dip in 2019. From 2018 to 2023, the average annual growth rate (CAGR) was 22.34%. However, in recent years, growth has stabilized, with a modest 4.55% year-on-year increase in 2023 and an average annual growth rate of just 0.95% over the past five years. Forecasts from 2024 predict a steady growth trend, with a CAGR of 2.96% expected over the next five years, culminating in a 15.7% total increase by 2028.
Future trends to watch for include potential impacts from global supply chain dynamics, evolving packaging technology, and South Africa's trade policies. Additionally, environmental sustainability trends may influence the demand for certain types of packing containers, potentially driving innovation and further growth in this sector.