Crust cattle leather imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported crust cattle leather worth $2.6 million (149 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 69% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $3.3 million.
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 | $2.6M | 149 t |
| 2023 | $1.5M | 83 t |
| 2022 | $404K | 42 t |
| 2021 | $302K | 54 t |
| 2020 | $1.8M | 431 t |
| 2019 | $3.3M | 221 t |
| 2018 | $2.8M | 229 t |
| 2017 | $2.6M | 164 t |
Where South Africa imports crust cattle leather from
One supplier dominates: Brazil accounted for 93% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Brazil grew fastest (+58% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $2.4M | 93% |
| India | $101K | 3.9% |
| Pakistan | $77K | 2.9% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
| Italy | $0K | 0% |
| Poland | $0K | 0% |
| Peru | $0K | 0% |
| China | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $17.50 per kg, 53% above the world average of $11.44. 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.
Crust cattle leather exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported crust cattle leather worth $416 thousand (68 tonnes). Italy alone took 70% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $290K | 70% |
| Zimbabwe | $81K | 20% |
| Germany | $18K | 4.4% |
| India | $9K | 2.2% |
| Lesotho | $5K | 1.2% |
| United States | $4K | 1.1% |
| Namibia | $3K | 0.6% |
| Belgium | $2K | 0.5% |
| Ukraine | $2K | 0.5% |
| Canada | $1K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa crust cattle leather imports (HS 4104.49): 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 4104.49: Tanned or crust hides and skins: bovine or equine, without hair on, in the dry state (crust), (other than full grains, unsplit: grain splits).
Common questions
What is the value of crust cattle leather imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported crust cattle leather worth $2.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 149 tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 120 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 69% on 2023.
Which countries supply crust cattle leather to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 93% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by India (4%) and Pakistan (3%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 8 supplier countries in total. Brazil grew fastest among the top ten, up 58% on the year.
What is the average import price of crust cattle leather per kg?
The average declared import value was about $17.50 per kg in 2024, 53% above the world average of $11.44 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of crust cattle leather to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.6 million in 2017 to $2.6 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2019 at $3.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export crust cattle leather?
Yes. South Africa exported $416 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Italy, Zimbabwe and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for crust cattle leather?
The HS code for crust cattle leather is subheading 4104.49. It sits in HS chapter 41 (raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4104 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 crust cattle leather trade: top importers and exporters
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