Collector items exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of collector items by South Africa reached $33.9 million in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 210 countries. That is 21% 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $33.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $28.1M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $22.3M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $23.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $17.8M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $24.3M | 1.0K t |
| 2018 | $22.2M | 900 t |
| 2017 | $22.4M | 917 t |
Where South Africa exports collector items to
One buyer market dominates: United States accounted for 64% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+32% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $21.5M | 64% |
| Denmark | $2.0M | 6% |
| United Kingdom | $1.9M | 5.7% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 4.8% |
| Canada | $991K | 2.9% |
| Belgium | $811K | 2.4% |
| Australia | $544K | 1.6% |
| China | $518K | 1.5% |
| Austria | $423K | 1.3% |
| Mexico | $306K | 0.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $27.21 per kg, 48% below the world average of $51.86, 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.
Collector items imports to South Africa
Imports of collector items by South Africa reached $1.2 million in 2024 (34 tonnes). United Kingdom alone supplied 60% of it. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+701% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $741K | 60% |
| United States | $109K | 8.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $101K | 8.1% |
| Tanzania | $63K | 5.1% |
| Zambia | $41K | 3.3% |
| Namibia | $32K | 2.6% |
| Mozambique | $22K | 1.7% |
| Germany | $17K | 1.3% |
| Ethiopia | $10K | 0.8% |
| Switzerland | $9K | 0.7% |
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 9705: Collections and collectors' pieces; of archaeological, ethnographic, historical, zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, palaeontological or numismatic interest.
Common questions
What is the value of collector items exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported collector items worth $33.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 210 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 21% on 2023.
Which countries buy collector items from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 64% of the value ($21.5 million), followed by Denmark (6%) and the United Kingdom (6%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 88 buyer countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 153% on the year.
What is the average export price of collector items per kg?
The average declared export value was about $27.21 per kg in 2024, 48% below the world average of $51.86 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 collector items from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $22.4 million in 2017 to $33.9 million in 2024, an increase of 51%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import collector items?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United Kingdom, the United States and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $32.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for collector items?
The HS code for collector items is heading 9705. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 9705.00. It sits in HS chapter 97 (works of art; collectors' pieces and antiques). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9705 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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