Automatic industrial sewing machines imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported automatic industrial sewing machines worth $4.1 million (746 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $7.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.1M | 746 t |
| 2023 | $4.1M | 127 t |
| 2022 | $6.0M | 190 t |
| 2021 | $7.8M | 181 t |
| 2020 | $4.0M | 120 t |
| 2019 | $4.6M | 122 t |
| 2018 | $4.8M | 110 t |
| 2017 | $5.0M | 151 t |
Where South Africa imports automatic industrial sewing machines from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 65% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+306% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.7M | 65% |
| Taiwan | $207K | 5.1% |
| Vietnam | $201K | 4.9% |
| Turkey | $186K | 4.6% |
| Italy | $159K | 3.9% |
| Thailand | $152K | 3.7% |
| Japan | $148K | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $129K | 3.2% |
| United States | $84K | 2.1% |
| Germany | $68K | 1.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.50 per kg, 51% below the world average of $11.28, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Automatic industrial sewing machines exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $465 thousand of automatic industrial sewing machines in 2024 (60 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $277K | 60% |
| Lesotho | $115K | 25% |
| Eswatini | $41K | 8.9% |
| Botswana | $12K | 2.6% |
| Namibia | $7K | 1.4% |
| Seychelles | $6K | 1.3% |
| Brazil | $4K | 0.8% |
| Mozambique | $2K | 0.4% |
| Nigeria | $1K | 0.2% |
| Angola | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa automatic industrial sewing machines imports (HS 8452.21): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 8452.21: Sewing machines: (not household type), automatic units.
Common questions
What is the value of automatic industrial sewing machines imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported automatic industrial sewing machines worth $4.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 746 tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 187 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply automatic industrial sewing machines to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 65% of the value ($2.7 million), followed by Taiwan (5%) and Vietnam (5%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 594% on the year.
What is the average import price of automatic industrial sewing machines per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.50 per kg in 2024, 51% below the world average of $11.28 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of automatic industrial sewing machines to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.0 million in 2017 to $4.1 million in 2024, a fall of 19%. The peak was 2021 at $7.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export automatic industrial sewing machines?
Yes. South Africa exported $465 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for automatic industrial sewing machines?
The HS code for automatic industrial sewing machines is subheading 8452.21. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8452 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World automatic industrial sewing machines trade: top importers and exporters
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