Electric hair dryers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $9.5 million of electric hair dryers in 2024 (1.0 thousand tonnes). Value rose 19% 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 | $9.5M | 1.0K t |
| 2023 | $8.0M | 280 t |
| 2022 | $9.2M | 338 t |
| 2021 | $6.9M | 296 t |
| 2020 | $9.0M | 424 t |
| 2019 | $8.8M | 424 t |
| 2018 | $9.0M | 447 t |
| 2017 | $6.4M | 366 t |
Where South Africa imports electric hair dryers from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 85% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.1M | 85% |
| Italy | $509K | 5.3% |
| Philippines | $421K | 4.4% |
| Germany | $306K | 3.2% |
| Malaysia | $85K | 0.9% |
| Turkey | $33K | 0.4% |
| Spain | $23K | 0.2% |
| Switzerland | $16K | 0.2% |
| Hong Kong | $14K | 0.2% |
| Hungary | $11K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.25 per kg, 59% below the world average of $22.68, 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.
Electric hair dryers exports from South Africa
Exports of electric hair dryers by South Africa reached $506 thousand in 2024 (31 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (39%), Botswana (20%), Eswatini (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+215% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $196K | 39% |
| Botswana | $101K | 20% |
| Eswatini | $68K | 14% |
| Lesotho | $40K | 7.9% |
| Zambia | $17K | 3.4% |
| China | $17K | 3.3% |
| Mozambique | $14K | 2.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $10K | 1.9% |
| Malawi | $9K | 1.8% |
| Nigeria | $8K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa electric hair dryers imports (HS 8516.31): 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 8516.31: Hair-dressing apparatus: electro-thermic hair dryers.
Common questions
What is the value of electric hair dryers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported electric hair dryers worth $9.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 209 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply electric hair dryers to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 85% of the value ($8.1 million), followed by Italy (5%) and the Philippines (4%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 36 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 18% on the year.
What is the average import price of electric hair dryers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.25 per kg in 2024, 59% below the world average of $22.68 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of electric hair dryers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.4 million in 2017 to $9.5 million in 2024, an increase of 50%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $8.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export electric hair dryers?
Yes. South Africa exported $506 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $9.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for electric hair dryers?
The HS code for electric hair dryers is subheading 8516.31. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8516 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 electric hair dryers trade: top importers and exporters
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