Automatic wristwatches imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $29.0 million of automatic wristwatches in 2024 (59 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average.
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 | $29.0M | 59 t |
| 2023 | $29.8M | 11 t |
| 2022 | $17.2M | 32 t |
| 2021 | $12.8M | 21 t |
| 2020 | $7.1M | 6 t |
| 2019 | $11.6M | 1 t |
| 2018 | $13.0M | 5 t |
| 2017 | $11.8M | 53 t |
Where South Africa imports automatic wristwatches from
Switzerland alone supplied 94% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $27.3M | 94% |
| China | $902K | 3.1% |
| France | $192K | 0.7% |
| Japan | $176K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $122K | 0.4% |
| United States | $103K | 0.4% |
| Ireland | $53K | 0.2% |
| Hong Kong | $35K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $26K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $24K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $490.94 per kg, 88% below the world average of $3,954.18, 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 wristwatches exports from South Africa
Exports of automatic wristwatches by South Africa reached $2.5 million in 2024 (1 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Hong Kong (40%), United States (20%), Switzerland (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+468% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | $984K | 40% |
| United States | $507K | 21% |
| Switzerland | $437K | 18% |
| Saint Maarten | $132K | 5.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $99K | 4% |
| Japan | $62K | 2.5% |
| Germany | $57K | 2.3% |
| Australia | $28K | 1.2% |
| Canada | $23K | 0.9% |
| Netherlands | $21K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa automatic wristwatches imports (HS 9102.21): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 9102.21: Wrist-watches: whether or not incorporating a stop-watch facility, with automatic winding.
Common questions
What is the value of automatic wristwatches imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported automatic wristwatches worth $29.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 59 tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 202 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply automatic wristwatches to South Africa?
Switzerland was the largest supplier with 94% of the value ($27.3 million), followed by China (3%) and France (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 41 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 125% on the year.
What is the average import price of automatic wristwatches per kg?
The average declared import value was about $490.94 per kg in 2024, 88% below the world average of $3,954.18 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 wristwatches to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.8 million in 2017 to $29.0 million in 2024, an increase of 147%. The peak was 2023 at $29.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $16.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export automatic wristwatches?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Hong Kong, the United States and Switzerland. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $26.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for automatic wristwatches?
The HS code for automatic wristwatches is subheading 9102.21. It sits in HS chapter 91 (clocks and watches and parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9102 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World automatic wristwatches trade: top importers and exporters
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