Buttons imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of buttons by South Africa reached $4.8 million in 2024 (512 tonnes). That is 10% more than in 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 | $4.8M | 512 t |
| 2023 | $4.4M | 543 t |
| 2022 | $5.5M | 842 t |
| 2021 | $5.1M | 1.8K t |
| 2020 | $3.1M | 431 t |
| 2019 | $5.1M | 550 t |
| 2018 | $4.9M | 434 t |
| 2017 | $4.4M | 493 t |
Where South Africa imports buttons from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 62% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+55% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.0M | 62% |
| Taiwan | $392K | 8.1% |
| Italy | $240K | 5% |
| Germany | $238K | 4.9% |
| Mauritius | $122K | 2.5% |
| Denmark | $110K | 2.3% |
| Slovenia | $106K | 2.2% |
| Thailand | $96K | 2% |
| Japan | $75K | 1.6% |
| United States | $70K | 1.4% |
Product types under HS 9606
| 9606.10 | Press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, press-studs and parts therefor | 49% |
| 9606.22 | Buttons: of base metal, not covered with textile material | 19% |
| 9606.21 | Buttons: of plastics, not covered with textile material | 19% |
| 9606.29 | Buttons: of other than base metal or plastics, not covered with textile material | 10% |
| 9606.30 | Button moulds and other parts of buttons: button blanks | 2.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9606.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.43 per kg, 42% below the world average of $16.12, 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.
Buttons exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.1 million of buttons in 2024 (642 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Eswatini (47%), Lesotho (26%), Mozambique (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+185% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $1.5M | 47% |
| Lesotho | $796K | 26% |
| Mozambique | $213K | 6.9% |
| Zambia | $209K | 6.8% |
| Botswana | $112K | 3.6% |
| Namibia | $96K | 3.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $56K | 1.8% |
| Liberia | $52K | 1.7% |
| Malawi | $19K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $19K | 0.6% |
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 9606: Buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press-studs, button moulds and other parts of these articles; button blanks.
Common questions
What is the value of buttons imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported buttons worth $4.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 512 tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 209 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply buttons to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 62% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Taiwan (8%) and Italy (5%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 51 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 55% on the year.
What is the average import price of buttons per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.43 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $16.12 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 imports of buttons to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.4 million in 2017 to $4.8 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. The peak was 2022 at $5.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export buttons?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Lesotho and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for buttons?
The HS code for buttons is heading 9606. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9606.10 (49% of the value) and 9606.22 (19%). It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9606 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.
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