Ammunition and munitions exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of ammunition and munitions by South Africa reached $53.9 million in 2024 (697 tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 16% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $231.7 million.
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 | $53.9M | 697 t |
| 2023 | $54.7M | 645 t |
| 2022 | $187.2M | 44.3K t |
| 2021 | $105.3M | 2.3K t |
| 2020 | $49.6M | 711 t |
| 2019 | $110.6M | 3.2K t |
| 2018 | $231.7M | 6.4K t |
| 2017 | $179.4M | 4.9K t |
Where South Africa exports ammunition and munitions to
One buyer market dominates: Australia accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+811% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $32.1M | 60% |
| Philippines | $5.7M | 11% |
| United States | $4.9M | 9% |
| India | $3.5M | 6.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.0M | 3.6% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 2.9% |
| Argentina | $1.3M | 2.3% |
| Spain | $939K | 1.7% |
| Lesotho | $920K | 1.7% |
| Malaysia | $317K | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 9306
| 9306.90 | Ammunition: n.e.c. in chapter 93 | 91% |
| 9306.30 | Ammunition: cartridges and parts thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 9306 | 7.2% |
| 9306.21 | Ammunition: shotgun cartridges | 1.5% |
| 9306.29 | Ammunition: parts of shotgun cartridges | 0.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9306.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $77.31 per kg, 89% above the world average of $40.83. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Ammunition and munitions imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $23.2 million of ammunition and munitions in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were United States (37%), Czech Republic (13%), Sweden (10%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+472% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $8.6M | 37% |
| Czech Republic | $3.1M | 13% |
| Sweden | $2.2M | 9.6% |
| United Kingdom | $1.5M | 6.5% |
| Turkey | $1.3M | 5.7% |
| Spain | $1.3M | 5.6% |
| Finland | $1.1M | 4.7% |
| Switzerland | $899K | 3.9% |
| Serbia | $865K | 3.7% |
| Brazil | $704K | 3% |
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 9306: Bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles and similar munitions of war and parts thereof; cartridges and other ammunition, projectiles and parts thereof, including shot and cartridge wads.
Common questions
What is the value of ammunition and munitions exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported ammunition and munitions worth $53.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 697 tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 114 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy ammunition and munitions from South Africa?
Australia was the largest buyer with 60% of the value ($32.1 million), followed by the Philippines (11%) and the United States (9%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 38 buyer countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 811% on the year.
What is the average export price of ammunition and munitions per kg?
The average declared export value was about $77.31 per kg in 2024, 89% above the world average of $40.83 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 ammunition and munitions from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $179.4 million in 2017 to $53.9 million in 2024, a fall of 70%. The peak was 2018 at $231.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import ammunition and munitions?
Yes. South Africa imported $23.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, the Czech Republic and Sweden. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $30.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for ammunition and munitions?
The HS code for ammunition and munitions is heading 9306. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9306.90 (91% of the value) and 9306.30 (7%). It sits in HS chapter 93 (arms and ammunition; parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9306 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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