FORM 6-K

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549

                       Report of Foreign Private Issuer

                       Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

                   under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                          For the month of May, 2004

                        Commission file number: 1-14872

                                 SAPPI LIMITED

                (Translation of registrant's name into English)

                              48 Ameshoff Street
                                 Braamfontein
                               Johannesburg 2001
                           REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
                   (Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

     Form 20-F                     X                      Form 40-F
                                -------


     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in
paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b) (1):

     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in
paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b) (7):

     Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in
this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.

      Yes                          No                        X
                                                          -------

     If "Yes" is marked, indicated below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-




                          FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


In order to utilize the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"), Sappi Limited
(the "Company") is providing the following cautionary statement. Except for
historical information contained herein, statements contained in this Report
on Form 6-K may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
the Reform Act. The words "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "intend",
"estimate ", "plan", "assume", "positioned", "will", "may", "should", "risk"
and other similar expressions which are predictions of or indicate future
events and future trends which do not relate to historical matters identify
forward-looking statements. In addition, this Report on Form 6-K may include
forward-looking statements relating to the Company's potential exposure to
various types of market risks, such as interest rate risk, foreign exchange
rate risk and commodity price risk. Reliance should not be placed on
forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which are in some cases beyond the control of
the Company, together with its subsidiaries (the "Group"), and may cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of the Group to differ materially
from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements (and from past results, performance
or achievements). Certain factors that may cause such differences include but
are not limited to: the highly cyclical nature of the pulp and paper industry;
pulp and paper production, production capacity and pricing levels in North
America, Europe, Asia and southern Africa; any major disruption in production
at the Group's key facilities; changes in environmental, tax and other laws
and regulations; adverse changes in the markets for the Group's products; any
delays, unexpected costs or other problems experienced with any business
acquired or to be acquired; consequences of the Group's leverage; adverse
changes in the South African political situation and economy or the effect of
governmental efforts to address present or future economic or social problems;
and the impact of future investments, acquisitions and dispositions (including
the financing of investments and acquisitions) and any delays, unexpected
costs or other problems experienced in connection with dispositions. These and
other risks, uncertainties and factors are discussed in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 20-F and other filings with and submissions to the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including this Report on Form 6-K. Shareholders and
prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of
the date of the submission of this Report on Form 6-K and are not intended to
give any assurance as to future results. The Company undertakes no obligation
to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether
to reflect new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.




                                    SAPPI

                           The word for fine paper


                 results for the quarter and half-year ended
                                  March 2004



                              [graphic omitted]










                                                           second quarter 2004





                         Sappi is the world's leading
                        producer of coated fine paper


    Sales by product group *

[pie chart omitted]     -----Coated fine paper    64%           magno
                        -----Uncoated fine paper   5%
                        -----Coated specialities   9%
                        -----Pulp                 12%           HannoArt
                        -----Commodity paper       9%
                        -----Other                 1%
                                                                Lustro
    Sales: where the product is manufactured*

[pie chart omitted]     -----North America        28%           Somerset
                        -----Europe               47%
                        -----Southern Africa      25%
                                                                McCoy
    Sales: where the product is sold*

[pie chart omitted]     -----North America        30%           AVALON
                        -----Europe               43%
                        -----Asia and other       13%
                        -----Southern Africa      14%           enigma

Georgraphic ownership**
                                                                Typek
[pie chart omitted]     -----Europe and ROW+      14%
                        -----Southern Africa      48%
                        -----North America        38%

*      ended March 2004
**    as at 31 March 2004
+     Rest of the world






                                 SAPPI LIMITED
                   RESULTS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 2004

o    EPS 10 US cents
o    Coated paper prices low; increases announced in Europe and North America
o    Strong demand in Europe
o    US shipments increasing
o    Forest Products performance strong despite continued Rand strength

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SUMMARY


                                                        Quarter ended            Half-year ended
                                                 March       Dec     March**     March    March**
                                                  2004      2003        2003      2004       2003
--------------------------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- ----------
                                                                         
Sales  (US$ million)                             1,185     1,120       1,095     2,305      2,114
Operating profit (US$ million)                      56         -         108        56        203
EBITDA (US$ million) *                             173       114         194       287        383
Operating profit to sales (%)                      4.7         -         9.9       2.4        9.6
EBITDA  to sales (%) *                            14.6      10.2        17.7      12.5       18.1
Operating profit to average net assets (%)         4.9         -        10.9       2.5       10.5
Headline EPS (US cents)                             10       (9)          25         1         47
EPS (US cents)                                      10       (9)          25         1         47
Return on equity (%) *                             4.7     (4.3)        13.1       0.2       12.7
Net debt (US$ million) *                         1,753     1,694       1,509     1,753      1,509
Net debt to total capitalisation (%) *            35.6      34.7        34.6      35.6       34.6
--------------------------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- ----------

*Refer to page 15, Supplemental Information for the definition of the term
**Restated for AC137


                                                         2004 second quarter  1





-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The underlying performance for the quarter improved compared to the prior
quarter as a result of a better performance from our European fine paper and
South African forest products businesses and a reduction in the losses from
our North American business.

In North America, commercial printers are starting to show clear signs of a
turnaround in demand for paper, reflecting improvements in the US economy.
This pick-up in consumption was only evident towards the end of the quarter
and did not have a major impact on demand statistics. Shipments of coated fine
paper from US producers were up 3% on the same quarter last year while net
imports fell sharply. Magazine advertising pages were 2% below the equivalent
quarter last year. Demand for coated fine paper in Western Europe continued to
show healthy improvement with apparent consumption for the quarter 6% above
the equivalent quarter last year and total shipments by European manufacturers
were up 8% on the prior year.

Prices in both major markets remained at cyclical lows in the quarter.
Tightening supply conditions only presented the opportunity to announce price
increases for implementation after the end of the reporting period.

Against this background, Sappi's earnings and headline earnings per share were
10 US cents compared to 25 US cents a year earlier and a loss in the December
quarter, after charges related to a machine closure and additional maintenance
shut costs.

We maintain our focus on costs, which were generally well managed in local
currency terms in the quarter. Costs of wood and energy remain high in North
America. Selling, General and Administrative costs fell from the prior quarter
but were US$24 million higher than last year primarily due to currency (US$10
million) and the US$10 million credit relating to retirement costs reported
last year. The favourable impact of applying the Agriculture Accounting
Standard - AC137 (IAS41) in the quarter compared to applying our previous
accounting policy was US$7 million after tax.

Net finance costs at US$26 million were US$2 million below the December
quarter.

Taxation for the quarter was at an effective rate of 23%, which is higher than
the expected rate for the full year.


2  2004 second quarter




-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOW AND DEBT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash generated by operations increased strongly compared to the December
quarter to US$184 million, a similar level to last year.

Working capital increased by US$31 million mainly as a result of higher
inventories.

Capital expenditure for the quarter was US$84 million, similar to the first
quarter and approximately 82% of depreciation.

Net debt increased by US$59 million during the quarter. The annual dividend
payment of US$66 million was paid in January 2004 and a pension funding
payment of US$19 million was also made in the quarter.

                                                         2004 second quarter  3





-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING REVIEW FOR THE QUARTER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAPPI FINE PAPER



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               QUARTER ENDED       Quarter ended
                                                  MARCH 2004          March 2003                    %
                                                 US$ MILLION         US$ million               change
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    
Sales                                                    967                 904                  7.0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                                          10                  72                (86.1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit to sales (%)                            1.0                 8.0                    -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA                                                    98                 147                (33.3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA to sales (%)                                     10.1                16.3                    -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RONOA pa (%)                                             1.2                 9.2                    -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sappi Fine Paper volumes and average prices in Dollar terms both increased;
however, low prices in local currencies and increases in pulp, wood and energy
costs continue to squeeze our margins.

Demand in Europe and South Africa remains good and we are seeing signs of a
pick up, in domestic volumes, in North America.

EUROPE



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         QUARTER ENDED  Quarter ended
                                            MARCH 2004     March 2003      % change         % change
                                           US$ MILLION    US$ million           (US$)         (Euros)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
Sales                                              556            503           10.5           ( 5.5)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                                    27             42          (35.7)          (45.0)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit to sales (%)                      4.9            8.3              -               -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA                                              77             83           (7.2)          (20.7)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA to sales (%)                               13.8           16.5              -               -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RONOA pa (%)                                       6.1           11.0              -               -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Our sales volume has continued to grow and was 3% higher than the equivalent
quarter last year and 4% above the December quarter. Domestic European sales
volumes increased 6% on the prior quarter but export volumes to the US which
are included in Sappi Fine Paper Europe's total volumes have declined.

Prices in European and overseas markets fell early in the quarter but
stabilised in March. Average prices realised in Euros were 9% below a year
earlier and slightly down on the December quarter.

During the quarter we announced a price increase of 5% to 7% for coated fine
paper which should become effective in the June quarter.

We have continued to manage our costs effectively and despite the low prices
have achieved an EBITDA to sales margin of 13.8% for the quarter.

4  2004 second quarter





North America


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                QUARTER ENDED    Quarter ended
                                                   MARCH 2004       March 2003                 %
                                                  US$ MILLION      US$ million            change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 
Sales                                                     339              338               0.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                                          (20)              20                 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit to sales (%)                            (5.9)             5.9                 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA                                                     15               51             (70.6)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA to sales (%)                                       4.4             15.1                 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RONOA pa (%)                                              5.8              5.4                 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Although our North American business improved on the prior quarter, it still
reported an operating loss in the quarter under review.

Volumes sold were higher than the equivalent quarter last year representing
some gain in share. Volumes were up 7% from the December quarter.

Prices remained at approximately the same low level as in the December
quarter. As a result of improving operating rates and order backlogs, we have
announced a price increase of US$50 per ton on certain coated fine paper
sheets and an increase of US$60 per ton on coated fine paper web products
which becomes effective in June.

Costs of wood and energy continue to impact profitability and remain at high
levels. These costs were US$9 million above the same quarter last year and
US$3 million higher than the prior quarter.

South Africa



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      QUARTER ENDED   Quarter ended
                                         MARCH 2004      March 2003       %  change       % change
                                        US$ MILLION     US$ million            (US$)        (Rands)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              
Sales                                            72              63            14.3           (6.9)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                                  3              10           (70.0)         (75.6)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit to sales (%)                   4.2            15.9               -              -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA                                           6               13           (53.8)         (62.4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA to sales (%)                             8.3            20.6               -              -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RONOA pa (%)                                    7.4            33.3               -              -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                         2004 second quarter  5





The performance of our South African fine paper business was affected by low
prices resulting from increased competition and the strong Rand. There are
some signs that growing demand in Asia will absorb greater volumes and
therefore reduce import pressure.

SAPPI FOREST PRODUCTS



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      QUARTER ENDED   Quarter ended
                                         MARCH 2004      March 2003      % change      % change
                                        US$ MILLION     US$ million          (US$)      (Rands)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           
Sales                                           218             191          14.1          (7.0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                                 48              33          45.5          18.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit to sales (%)                  22.0            17.3             -             -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA                                           77              44          75.0          42.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA to Sales (%)                            35.3            23.0             -             -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RONOA pa (%)                                 15.4            14.4             -             -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Demand for our pulp and packaging paper was firm during the quarter. Our paper
exports were lower as a result of the strong Rand and newsprint sales were
lower as customers adjusted inventories.

Demand for dissolving pulp produced by our Saiccor mill remains strong.
Saiccor has a world-class cost position and is taking a number of steps to
increase capacity through de-bottlenecking projects. The first step, which is
already underway, will increase output by 20,000 tons based on the current
product mix. Further plans are being investigated to add an additional 30,000
tons of capacity.

Pulp prices have continued to increase with average NBSK prices for the
quarter up US$ 35 per ton on the previous quarter and have partly offset the
impact of the strong Rand on our pricing.


6  2004 second quarter



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUTLOOK
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are seeing signs of a turnaround in profitability for coated fine paper.

Advertising spending in Europe is growing, as is apparent consumption of
coated fine paper, which bodes well for the price increases currently being
introduced.

Imports of coated fine paper to the US from Asia and Europe have declined
partly as a result of improved demand in those regions and partly as a result
of less attractive price realisations. US domestic shipments have strengthened
and order backlogs are increasing. The combination of these factors and signs
of improved printer activity will support the announced price increases.
However, these coated paper price increases in North America are not expected
to have a major impact on our results until the fourth fiscal quarter.

Pulp prices continue to strengthen, which will support the performance of our
Forest Products business.

We will have to absorb the costs of two major maintenance shuts next quarter
at our Cloquet and Ngodwana mills. In addition to this, we face continued
pressure from rising energy costs globally and high wood costs in North
America.

Overall, market developments are encouraging and with rising price trends, we
expect to see further improvement in our earnings in our third quarter
compared to the second quarter.


On behalf of the Board

J C A LESLIE            D G WILSON
Director                Director                10 May 2004

sappi limited
(Registration number 1936/008963/06)

ISSUER CODE: SAVVI
JSE CODE: SAP
ISIN CODE: ZAE 000006284

                                                         2004 second quarter  7






-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Certain statements in this release that are neither reported financial results
nor other historical information, are forward-looking statements, including
but not limited to statements that are predictions of or indicate future
earnings, savings, synergies, events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue
reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature,
they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be
affected by other factors, that could cause actual results and company plans
and objectives to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the
forward-looking statements (or from past results). Such risks, uncertainties
and factors include, but are not limited to the highly cyclical nature of the
pulp and paper industry (and the factors that contribute to such cyclicality,
such as levels of demand, production capacity, production and pricing),
adverse changes in the markets for the group's products, consequences of
substantial leverage, changing regulatory requirements, unanticipated
production disruptions, economic and political conditions in international
markets, the impact of investments, acquisitions and dispositions (including
related financing), any delays, unexpected costs or other problems experienced
with integrating acquisitions and achieving expected savings and synergies and
currency fluctuations. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update
or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new
information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.


8  2004 second quarter






          FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE QUARTER AND
          HALF-YEAR ENDED MARCH 2004




                              [graphic omitted]



                                                         2004 second quarter  9








Sappi Limited
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROUP INCOME STATEMENT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                                                         Reviewed     Reviewed
                                                      Reviewed     Reviewed              Half-year    Half-year
                                                  Quarter ended Quarter ended              ended        ended
                                                    March 2004   March 2003              March 2004   March 2003
                                                   US$ million  US$ million   % change  US$ million  US$ million  % change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                

Sales                                                     1,185        1,095     8.2           2,305       2,114    9.0
Cost of sales                                             1,030          913                   2,025       1,760
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit                                                155          182   (14.8)            280         354  (20.9)

Selling, general & administrative expenses                   99           75                     224         152
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             56          107                      56         202

Other income                                                  -            1                       -           1
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                                             56          108   (48.1)             56         203  (72.4)
Net finance costs                                            26           32                      54          61

                                                    ------------- ------------            ------------- ----------
    Net paid                                        |        26 | |       29 |            |       52  | |     54 |
    Capitalised                                     |         - | |        - |            |       (1) | |     (1)|
    Net foreign exchange (gains) losses             |        (4)| |        3 |            |       (6) | |      8 |
    Change in fair value of financial instruments   |         4 | |        - |            |        9  | |      - |
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit before tax                                            30           76   (60.5)              2         142  (98.6)
Taxation - current                                           10           17                      18          31
         - deferred                                          (3)           1                     (18)          2
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profit                                                   23           58   (60.3)              2         109  (98.2)
                                                   =====================================================================


Earnings per share (US cents)                                10           25                       1          47

Headline earnings per share (US cents) *                     10           25                       1          47

Weighted average number of shares in issue
  (millions)                                              226.1        229.4                   226.3       229.8

Diluted earnings per share (US cents)                        10           25                       1          47

Diluted headline earnings per share (US cents) *             10           25                       1          47

Weighted average number of shares on fully
diluted basis (millions)                                  228.3        232.1                   228.4       232.5

Calculation of Headline earnings *

Net profit                                                   23           58                       2         109
Profit on disposal of business and property,
  plant & equipment                                           -           (1)                      -          (1)
Mill closure costs                                            -            1                       -           1
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Headline earnings                                            23           58                       2         109
                                                   =====================================================================

  * Headline earnings disclosure is required by the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa.


10  2004 second quarter





Sappi Limited

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROUP BALANCE SHEET
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                                             Reviewed             Audited
                                                           March 2004           Sept 2003
                                                          US$ million         US$ million
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        

ASSETS

Non-current assets                                              4,501               4,242

                                                          --------------------------------
   Property, plant and equipment                                3,679               3,554
   Plantations                                                    491                 432
   Deferred taxation                                               51                  41
   Other non-current assets                                       280                 215
                                                          --------------------------------

Current assets                                                  1,373               1,575

                                                          --------------------------------
   Cash and cash equivalents                                      332                 584
   Trade and other receivables                                    265                 290
   Inventories                                                    776                 701
                                                          --------------------------------

                                                          --------------------------------
Total assets                                                    5,874               5,817
                                                          --------------------------------


EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Shareholders' equity
   Ordinary shareholders' interest                              1,991               1,945

Non-current liabilities                                         2,506               2,541

                                                          --------------------------------
   Interest-bearing borrowings                                  1,652               1,742
   Deferred taxation                                              537                 517
   Other non-current liabilities                                  317                 282
                                                          --------------------------------

Current liabilities                                             1,377               1,331

                                                          --------------------------------
   Interest-bearing borrowings and bank overdraft                 433                 333
   Taxation payable                                                85                  82
   Other current liabilities                                      859                 916
                                                          --------------------------------

                                                          --------------------------------
Total equity and liabilities                                    5,874               5,817
                                                          --------------------------------


Number of shares in issue at balance sheet date (millions)      226.2               226.9



                                                       2004 second quarter  11






Sappi Limited

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                                          Reviewed          Reviewed          Reviewed          Reviewed
                                                     Quarter ended     Quarter ended   Half-year ended   Half-year ended
                                                        March 2004        March 2003        March 2004        March 2003
                                                       US$ million       US$ million       US$ million       US$ million
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             

Cash generated by operations                                   184               195               290               373

Movement in working capital                                    (31)              (23)             (144)             (165)
Net finance costs                                              (26)              (31)              (52)              (61)
Taxation (paid) recovered                                       (4)               30               (19)               25
Dividends paid                                                 (66)              (65)              (66)              (65)

                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash retained from operating activities                         57               106                 9               107

Cash effects of investing activities                           (96)              (58)             (185)              (92)

                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               (39)               48              (176)               15
Cash effects of financing activities                           (25)              (36)              (99)                3

                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net movement in cash and cash equivalents                      (64)               12              (275)               18
                                                   ======================================================================







Sappi Limited

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                        Reviewed                Reviewed
                                                                 Half-year ended         Half-year ended
                                                                      March 2004              March 2003
                                                                     US$ million             US$ million
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    
Balance - beginning of year                                                1,958                   1,601
Change in accounting policy                                                  (13)                     (4)
                                                                ------------------------------------------
Balance - beginning of year restated                                       1,945                   1,597
Net profit                                                                     2                     109
Foreign currency translation reserve                                         128                     224
Revaluation of derivative instruments                                         (7)                    (17)
Dividends declared - US$ 0.29 (2003: US$ 0.28) per share                     (66)                    (65)
Share buybacks net of transfers to participants of the share
  purchase trust                                                             (11)                    (19)
                                                                ------------------------------------------
Balance - end of period                                                    1,991                   1,829
                                                                ==========================================






12  2004 second quarter





Sappi Limited

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO THE GROUP RESULTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Basis of preparation
   The annual financial statements are prepared in conformity with South
   African Statements of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (SA GAAP).
   These quarterly results have been prepared in compliance with AC 127
   (Interim financial reporting) and are based on accounting policies which
   are consistent with those used in the annual financial statements. The same
   accounting policies have been followed as in the annual financial
   statements for September 2003, except for the new agriculture accounting
   standard - Agriculture - AC 137 (IAS 41) which became effective from the
   beginning of the current financial year.

   The effect on equity for the above change is reflected in the Group
   statement of changes in shareholders' equity. The effect on net profit for
   the current quarter is an increase of US$7 million, net of US$3 million tax
   (December 2003 quarter: increase of US$7 million, net of US$3 million tax;
   March 2003 quarter: minimal impact) and an increase of US$14 million, net
   of US$6 million tax for the half-year end (March 2003: a decrease of US$1
   million, net of US$1 million tax). Where appropriate, comparative figures
   have been restated.

   The preliminary results for the quarter have been reviewed by the group's
   auditors, Deloitte & Touche. Their unqualified review report is available
   for inspection at the company's registered offices.

2. Comparative figures
   Comparative figures have been restated to take into account the effects
   of the new agriculture accounting standard which became effective from
   the beginning of the current financial year. The effect on operating
   profit is the inclusion of the fair value changes in the value of
   plantations and the expensing of the costs incurred to establish and
   maintain plantations (silviculture costs) and the amortisation of
   interest which had been previously capitalised. Net finance costs have
   increased. In terms of the new accounting standard, interest is no longer
   capitalised to the carrying value of plantations.

   The effect on the cash flow statement is a reclassification of investments
   in plantations from cash utilised in investing activities to cash generated
   by operations. Net cash flows remain the same.

   Operating profit has been restated to take into account the requirements of
   circular 3/2004 issued by the South African Institute of Chartered
   Accountants. Previously non-trading (profit) loss items were excluded from
   operating profit. The impact of the inclusion is an increase in operating
   profit of US$1 million for the quarter and half-year ended March 2003.

   In September 2003, cash and overdraft were restated to gross up amounts
   previously set-off. The March 2003 cash flow statement has been restated to
   take the effects of this into account.


                                                        2004 second quarter  13




-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO GROUP RESULTS (CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                          Reviewed          Reviewed          Reviewed          Reviewed
                                                     Quarter ended     Quarter ended   Half-year ended   Half-year ended
                                                        March 2004        March 2003        March 2004        March 2003
                                                       US$ million       US$ million       US$ million       US$ million
   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             

   3.   Operating profit

   Included in operating profit are the following
   non-cash items:

    Depreciation and amortisation
      Depreciation of property, plant and equipment        103                85               203               170
      Fellings                                              13                 1                27                 9
      Other amortisation                                     1                 -                 1                 1
                                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           117                86               231               180
                                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------

   Fair value adjustment (gains) on plantations
   (included in cost of sales)
      Changes in volume                                    (13)              (10)              (28)              (20)
      Changes in fair value                                (17)               (2)              (24)               (1)
                                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           (30)              (12)              (52)              (21)
                                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------
   4. Capital expenditure
      Property, plant and equipment                         84                62               167               100


   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Reviewed           Audited
                                                                                            March 2004         Sept 2003
                                                                                           US$ million       US$ million
   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   5. Capital commitments
        Contracted but not provided                                                            101                86
        Approved but not contracted                                                            174               193

                                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               275               279
                                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------

   6. Contingent liabilities
        Guarantees and suretyships                                                              49                47
        Other contingent liabilities                                                            25                24

                                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------



14  2004 second quarter




Sappi Limited

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DEFINITIONS

     Average - averages are calculated as the sum of the opening and closing
     balances for the relevant period divided by two

     * EBITDA - earnings before interest (net finance costs), tax,
     depreciation and amortisation

     * EBITDA to sales - EBITDA divided by sales

     Fellings - the amount charged against the income statement representing
     the standing value of the plantations harvested

     Headline earnings - as defined in circular 7/2002 issued by the South
     African Institute of Chartered Accountants, separates from earnings all
     items of a capital nature. It is not necessarily a measure of
     sustainable earnings. It is a listing requirement of the JSE Securities
     Exchange South Africa to disclose headline earnings per share.

     * Net assets - total assets less current liabilities

     * Net asset value - shareholders' equity plus net deferred tax

     * Net asset value per share - net asset value divided by the number of
     shares in issue at balance sheet date.

     * Net debt - current and non-current interest-bearing borrowings, and
     bank overdrafts (net of cash, cash equivalents and short-term deposits)

     * Net debt to total capitalisation - Net debt divided by shareholders'
     equity plus minority interest, non-current liabilities, current
     interest-bearing borrowings and overdraft

     * ROE - return on average equity. Net profit divided by average
     shareholders' equity

     * RONA - operating profit divided by average net assets

     * RONOA - operating profit divided by average net operating assets. Net
     operating assets are total assets (excluding deferred taxation and cash)
     less current liabilities (excluding interest-bearing borrowings and bank
     overdraft)

     * The above financial measures, other than headline earnings per share,
     are presented to assist our shareholders and the investment community in
     interpreting our financial results. These financial measures are
     regularly used and compared between companies in our industry.



                                                       2004 second quarter  15







Sappi Limited

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additional information


                                                               Reviewed      Reviewed          Reviewed        Reviewed
                                                          Quarter ended Quarter ended   Half-year ended Half-year ended
                                                             March 2004    March 2003        March 2004      March 2003
                                                            US$ million   US$ million       US$ million     US$ million
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            

   Net profit to EBITDA * reconciliation
     Net profit                                                      23            58                 2             109

     Net finance costs                                               26            32                54              61
     Taxation - current                                              10            17                18              31
              - deferred                                             (3)            1               (18)              2
     Depreciation                                                   103            85               203             170
     Amortisation (including fellings)                               14             1                28              10

   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     EBITDA *                                                       173           194               287             383
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                               Reviewed         Audited
                                                                                             March 2004       Sept 2003
                                                                                            US$ million     US$ million

   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Net debt (US$ million) **                                                                      1,753           1,491

   Net debt to total capitalisation (%) **                                                         35.6            30.9

   Net asset value per share (US$) **                                                             10.95           10.67

   * In connection with the US Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules relating to "Conditions for Use of
     Non-GAAP Financial Measures", we have reconciled EBITDA to net profit rather than operating profit and
     recalculated EBITDA to exclude interest (net finance costs), taxes, depreciation and amortisation (including
     fellings). As a result our definition has been amended to retain other income/expenses (previously
     non-trading profit/loss) as part of EBITDA. The comparative information has been restated to take this into
     account.  The effect on EBITDA for the amended definition is an increase of US$1m for the quarter and half-
     year ended March 2003.  There was no impact on the current quarter and half-year ended March 2004.

     We use EBITDA as an internal measure of performance and believe it is a useful and commonly used
     measure of financial performance in addition to operating profit and other profitability measures under SA
     GAAP.  EBITDA is not a measure of performance under SA GAAP.  EBITDA should not be construed as an
     alternative to operating profit as an indicator of the company's operations in accordance with SA GAAP.
     EBITDA is also presented to assist our shareholders and the investment community in interpreting our
     financial results.  This financial measure is regularly used as a means of comparison of companies in our
     industry by removing certain differences between companies such as depreciation methods, financing
     structures and taxation regimes.  Different companies and analysts may calculate EBITDA differently, so
     making comparisons among companies on this basis should be done very carefully.

   **Refer to page 13, Supplemental Information for the definition of the term.



16  2004 second quarter



Sappi Limited

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regional information

                                        Reviewed      Reviewed                 Reviewed         Reviewed
                                   Quarter ended Quarter ended          Half-year ended  Half-year ended
                                      March 2004    March 2003               March 2004       March 2003
                                     Metric tons   Metric tons              Metric tons      Metric tons
                                         (000's)       (000's) % change         (000's)          (000's)    % change
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          
Sales -

  Fine Paper -North America                  362           343      5.5             699              711         (1.7)
              Europe                         611           592      3.2           1,199            1,117          7.3
              Southern Africa                 74            69      7.2             146              143          2.1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total                        1,047         1,004      4.3           2,044            1,971          3.7

  Forest Products Pulp and paper operations  373           395     (5.6)            757              732          3.4
                  Forestry operations        341           309     10.4             658              607          8.4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                    1,761         1,708      3.1           3,459            3,310          4.5
=======================================================================================================================

                                        Reviewed      Reviewed                 Reviewed         Reviewed
                                   Quarter ended Quarter ended          Half-year ended  Half-year ended
                                      March 2004    March 2003               March 2004       March 2003
                                     US$ million   US$ million              US$ million      US$ million
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales

  Fine Paper -North America                  339           338      0.3             655              707         (7.4)
              Europe                         556           503     10.5           1,074              937         14.6
              Southern Africa                 72            63     14.3             143              122         17.2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total                          967           904      7.0           1,872            1,766          6.0

  Forest Products Pulp and paper operations  203           178     14.0             404              323         25.1
                  Forestry operations         15            13     15.4              29               25         16.0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                    1,185         1,095      8.2           2,305            2,114          9.0
=======================================================================================================================

Operating profit

  Fine Paper -North America                  (20)           20        -             (74)              29            -
              Europe                          27            42    (35.7)             42               81        (48.1)
              Southern Africa                  3            10    (70.0)              8               19        (57.9)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total                           10            72    (86.1)            (24)             129            -

  Forest Products                             48            33     45.5              83               70         18.6
  Corporate                                   (2)            3        -              (3)               4            -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                       56           108    (48.1)             56              203        (72.4)
=======================================================================================================================


Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation charges

  Fine Paper -North America                   15            51    (70.6)             (5)              91            -
              Europe                          77            83     (7.2)            140              165        (15.2)
              Southern Africa                  6            13    (53.8)             14               24        (41.7)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total                           98           147    (33.3)            149              280        (46.8)

  Forest Products                             77            44     75.0             141               99         42.4
  Corporate                                   (2)            3        -              (3)               4            -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                      173           194    (10.8)            287              383        (25.1)
=======================================================================================================================


Net operating assets

  Fine Paper -North America                1,396         1,458     (4.3)          1,396            1,458         (4.3)
              Europe                       1,742         1,560     11.7           1,742            1,560         11.7
              Southern Africa                166           130     27.7             166              130         27.7
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total                        3,304         3,148      5.0           3,304            3,148          5.0

      Forest Products                      1,283           946     35.6           1,283              946         35.6
      Corporate                              (40)          (49)    18.4             (40)             (49)        18.4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                4,547         4,045     12.4           4,547            4,045         12.4
=======================================================================================================================




                                                       2004 second quarter  17





Sappi Limited

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summary and convenience translation



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Reviewed      Reviewed                 Reviewed         Reviewed
                                                  Quarter ended Quarter ended          Half-year ended  Half-year ended
                                                     March 2004    March 2003 % change      March 2004       March 2003    % change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         
Sales (ZAR million)                                    8,064            9,149    (11.9)         15,758           19,209       (18.0)

Operating profit (ZAR million)                           381              902    (57.8)            383            1,845       (79.2)

Net profit (ZAR million)                                 157              485    (67.6)             14              990       (98.6)

EBITDA * (ZAR million)                                 1,177            1,621    (27.4)          1,962            3,480       (43.6)

Operating profit to sales (%)                            4.7              9.9                      2.4              9.6

EBITDA * to sales (%)                                   14.6             17.7                     12.5             18.1

Operating profit to average net assets (%)               5.0             10.9                      2.5             10.4

EPS (SA cents)                                            68              209    (67.5)              7              427       (98.4)

Headline EPS (SA cents) *                                 68              209    (67.5)              7              427       (98.4)

Net debt (ZAR million) *                                                                        11,524           12,004        (4.0)

Net debt to total capitalisation (%) *                                                            35.6             34.6

Cash generated by operations (ZAR million)             1,252            1,629    (23.1)          1,983            3,389       (41.5)

Cash retained from operating activities (ZAR million)    388              886    (56.2)             62              972       (93.6)

Net movement in cash and cash equivalents (ZAR million) (436)             100        -          (1,880)             164           -

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*  Refer to page 15, Supplemental Information for the definition of the term.




exchange rates

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      March         Dec           Sept         June        March
                                                       2004        2003           2003         2003        2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           
Exchange rates :
    Period end rate: US$1 = ZAR                      6.5738       6.7951         7.1288      7.4300       7.9550
    Average rate for the Quarter: US$1 = ZAR         6.8054       6.8569         7.3866      7.6305       8.3550
    Average rate for the YTD: US$1 = ZAR             6.8363       6.8569         8.3300      8.6173       9.0866


    Period end rate: EUR1 = US$                      1.2150       1.2410         1.1475      1.1417       1.0729
    Average rate for the Quarter: EUR1 = US$         1.2497       1.1887         1.1328      1.1236       1.0686
    Average rate for the YTD: EUR1 = US$             1.2161       1.1887         1.0804      1.0655       1.0334



    The financial results of entities with reporting currencies other than the US Dollar are translated into US Dollars as follows:
    - Assets and liabilities at rates of exchange ruling at period end; and
    - Income, expenditure and cash flow items at average exchange rates.




18  2004 second quarter




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ADR PRICE (NYSE TICKER: SPP) NOTE: (1 ADR = 1 SAPPI SHARE)
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                                                       2004 second quarter  19





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20  2004 second quarter




this report is available on the Sappi website - www.sappi.com




                              [GRAPHIC OMITTED]







Other interested parties can obtain printed copies of this report from:


South Aftica:           United States             United Kingdom:
Computershare Limited   ADR Depository:           Capita Registrars
70 Marshall Street      The Bank of New York      The Registry
Johannesburg 2001       Investor Relations        34 Beckenham Road
PO Box 61051            PO Box 11258              Beckenham, Kent
Marshallton 2107        Church Street Station     BR3 4TU, DX 91750
Tel +27 (0)11 370-5000  New York, NY 10286-1258   Beckenham West
                        Tel +1 610 382 7836       Tel +44 (0)208 639-2157


                                                       2004 second quarter  21






                                  SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date:  May 10, 2004


                                        SAPPI LIMITED,

                                          by /s/ D.G. Wilson
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Name:  D. G. Wilson
                                             Title: Executive Director: Finance