Base metal costume jewelry imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $20.1 million of base metal costume jewelry in 2024 (631 tonnes). Value rose 28% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $20.1M | 631 t |
| 2023 | $15.7M | 519 t |
| 2022 | $18.5M | 757 t |
| 2021 | $17.2M | 614 t |
| 2020 | $11.9M | 376 t |
| 2019 | $20.4M | 507 t |
| 2018 | $20.8M | 516 t |
| 2017 | $19.2M | 536 t |
Where South Africa imports base metal costume jewelry from
China alone supplied 74% of it. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+162% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $14.9M | 74% |
| United States | $1.7M | 8.5% |
| Italy | $1.7M | 8.2% |
| Thailand | $691K | 3.4% |
| Vietnam | $325K | 1.6% |
| India | $164K | 0.8% |
| France | $106K | 0.5% |
| Turkey | $68K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $68K | 0.3% |
| Hong Kong | $66K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $31.93 per kg, 32% below the world average of $47.13, 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.
Base metal costume jewelry exports from South Africa
Exports of base metal costume jewelry by South Africa reached $2.7 million in 2024 (537 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (26%), Botswana (19%), United States (7%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+225% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $694K | 26% |
| Botswana | $514K | 19% |
| United States | $179K | 6.6% |
| Eswatini | $172K | 6.3% |
| Lesotho | $121K | 4.5% |
| Zambia | $115K | 4.2% |
| Czech Republic | $112K | 4.1% |
| Portugal | $93K | 3.4% |
| Denmark | $72K | 2.6% |
| France | $64K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa base metal costume jewelry imports (HS 7117.19): 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 7117.19: Jewellery: imitation, (excluding cuff links and studs), of base metal, whether or not plated with precious metal.
Common questions
What is the value of base metal costume jewelry imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported base metal costume jewelry worth $20.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 631 tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 218 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 28% on 2023.
Which countries supply base metal costume jewelry to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 74% of the value ($14.9 million), followed by the United States (8%) and Italy (8%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 92 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 162% on the year.
What is the average import price of base metal costume jewelry per kg?
The average declared import value was about $31.93 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $47.13 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of base metal costume jewelry to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $19.2 million in 2017 to $20.1 million in 2024, an increase of 5%. The peak was 2018 at $20.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $18.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export base metal costume jewelry?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for base metal costume jewelry?
The HS code for base metal costume jewelry is subheading 7117.19. It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7117 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 base metal costume jewelry trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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