Bird skins and feathers exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $4.6 million of bird skins and feathers in 2024 (117 tonnes). That is 16% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $5.8 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 | $4.6M | 117 t |
| 2023 | $3.9M | 170 t |
| 2022 | $5.8M | 281 t |
| 2021 | $1.9M | 109 t |
| 2020 | $2.8M | 159 t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 110 t |
| 2018 | $4.5M | 557 t |
| 2017 | $3.2M | 105 t |
Where South Africa exports bird skins and feathers to
China alone took 64% of it. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+68% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.9M | 64% |
| Hong Kong | $671K | 15% |
| United Kingdom | $279K | 6.1% |
| Lebanon | $214K | 4.7% |
| Brazil | $101K | 2.2% |
| Japan | $68K | 1.5% |
| South Korea | $59K | 1.3% |
| France | $53K | 1.2% |
| United States | $44K | 1% |
| Chile | $41K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 0505
| 0505.90 | Animal products: skins and other parts of birds, feathers and down (not for stuffing), powder and waste of such, not further worked than cleaned… | 95% |
| 0505.10 | Animal products: feathers and down used for stuffing, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation | 4.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 0505.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $38.95 per kg, 750% above the world average of $4.58. 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.
Bird skins and feathers imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $3.5 million of bird skins and feathers in 2024 (735 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 66% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+77% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.3M | 66% |
| Italy | $769K | 22% |
| Vietnam | $142K | 4% |
| Spain | $138K | 3.9% |
| Germany | $104K | 2.9% |
| Hungary | $65K | 1.8% |
| United States | $1K | 0% |
| India | $1K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
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 0505: Skins and other parts of birds with feathers, down; feathers, down and parts thereof; not further worked than cleaned, disinfected, treated for preservation; powder, waste and parts of feathers.
Common questions
What is the value of bird skins and feathers exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported bird skins and feathers worth $4.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 117 tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 89 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy bird skins and feathers from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 64% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by Hong Kong (15%) and the United Kingdom (6%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 30 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 68% on the year.
What is the average export price of bird skins and feathers per kg?
The average declared export value was about $38.95 per kg in 2024, 750% above the world average of $4.58 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 bird skins and feathers from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.2 million in 2017 to $4.6 million in 2024, an increase of 40%. The peak was 2022 at $5.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import bird skins and feathers?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Italy and Vietnam. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for bird skins and feathers?
The HS code for bird skins and feathers is heading 0505. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 0505.90 (95% of the value) and 0505.10 (5%). It sits in HS chapter 05 (animal originated products; not elsewhere specified or included). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0505 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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