Finished leather exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported finished leather worth $33.4 million (141 tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 111 countries. The value was almost unchanged from 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 | $33.4M | 141 t |
| 2023 | $33.3M | 268 t |
| 2022 | $35.7M | 219 t |
| 2021 | $29.8M | 220 t |
| 2020 | $25.5M | 160 t |
| 2019 | $28.9M | 241 t |
| 2018 | $29.8M | 434 t |
| 2017 | $26.5M | 223 t |
Where South Africa exports finished leather to
Most of it went to United States (42%), France (38%), Mexico (13%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $14.2M | 43% |
| France | $12.7M | 38% |
| Mexico | $4.3M | 13% |
| Hong Kong | $477K | 1.4% |
| Italy | $439K | 1.3% |
| Japan | $405K | 1.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $288K | 0.9% |
| Spain | $122K | 0.4% |
| China | $116K | 0.4% |
| South Korea | $103K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 4113
| 4113.90 | Leather: further prepared after tanning or crusting, including parchment-dressed leather, of animals (other than sheep and lambs, goats and kids… | 98% |
| 4113.30 | Leather: further prepared after tanning or crusting, including parchment-dressed leather, of reptiles, whether or not split, other than leather of… | 2.2% |
| 4113.20 | Leather: further prepared after tanning or crusting, including parchment-dressed leather, without hair on, whether or not split, other than leather… | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4113.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $236.76 per kg, 667% above the world average of $30.88. 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.
Finished leather imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $1.5 million of finished leather in 2024 (48 tonnes). Most of the value came from Pakistan (30%), Italy (14%), Zimbabwe (10%). Among the main suppliers, Namibia grew fastest (+379% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | $452K | 30% |
| Italy | $211K | 14% |
| Zimbabwe | $150K | 9.8% |
| Brazil | $137K | 9% |
| France | $123K | 8% |
| Thailand | $117K | 7.6% |
| China | $110K | 7.2% |
| Namibia | $100K | 6.5% |
| India | $34K | 2.2% |
| Taiwan | $27K | 1.8% |
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 4113: Leather further prepared after tanning or crusting, including parchment-dressed leather, of animals (other than ovine), without wool or hair on, whether or not split, other than leather of heading 41.14.
Common questions
What is the value of finished leather exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported finished leather worth $33.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 141 tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 111 countries worldwide, with 4% of world exports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries buy finished leather from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 42% of the value ($14.2 million), followed by France (38%) and Mexico (13%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 45 buyer countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 181% on the year.
What is the average export price of finished leather per kg?
The average declared export value was about $236.76 per kg in 2024, 667% above the world average of $30.88 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 finished leather from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $26.5 million in 2017 to $33.4 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. The peak was 2022 at $35.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import finished leather?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Pakistan, Italy and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $31.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for finished leather?
The HS code for finished leather is heading 4113. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4113.90 (98% of the value) and 4113.30 (2%). 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 4113 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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