Flatware imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $11.0 million of flatware in 2024 (3.9 thousand tonnes). That is 26% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $15.1 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 | $11.0M | 3.9K t |
| 2023 | $14.8M | 4.4K t |
| 2022 | $12.2M | 3.7K t |
| 2021 | $12.0M | 3.5K t |
| 2020 | $8.4M | 2.5K t |
| 2019 | $11.9M | 3.4K t |
| 2018 | $15.1M | 3.6K t |
| 2017 | $12.5M | 3.2K t |
Where South Africa imports flatware from
China alone supplied 83% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.1M | 83% |
| India | $443K | 4% |
| Vietnam | $291K | 2.7% |
| France | $255K | 2.3% |
| Italy | $222K | 2% |
| Germany | $167K | 1.5% |
| United Kingdom | $104K | 1% |
| Brazil | $71K | 0.7% |
| Switzerland | $55K | 0.5% |
| Denmark | $49K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 8215
| 8215.99 | Cutlery: other than plated with precious metal | 68% |
| 8215.20 | Cutlery: sets of assorted articles (e.g. spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter knives, sugar tongs and similar), not… | 30% |
| 8215.10 | Cutlery: sets of assorted articles (e.g. spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter-knives, sugar tongs and similar), with at… | 1.6% |
| 8215.91 | Cutlery: (e.g. spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter-knives, sugar tongs and similar), plated with precious metal, not… | 0.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8215.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.84 per kg, 64% below the world average of $7.95, 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.
Flatware exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.0 million of flatware in 2024 (497 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (22%), Netherlands (19%), Botswana (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest (+305% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $661K | 22% |
| Netherlands | $586K | 20% |
| Botswana | $396K | 13% |
| Eswatini | $204K | 6.8% |
| Zambia | $165K | 5.5% |
| Lesotho | $165K | 5.5% |
| United States | $118K | 3.9% |
| Mozambique | $114K | 3.8% |
| Ghana | $87K | 2.9% |
| Br. Virgin Isds | $63K | 2.1% |
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 8215: Cutlery; spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter knives, sugar tongs and similar kitchen or tableware.
Common questions
What is the value of flatware imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported flatware worth $11.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 26% on 2023.
Which countries supply flatware to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 83% of the value ($9.1 million), followed by India (4%) and Vietnam (3%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 63 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 45% on the year.
What is the average import price of flatware per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.84 per kg in 2024, 64% below the world average of $7.95 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 flatware to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.5 million in 2017 to $11.0 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2018 at $15.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export flatware?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, the Netherlands and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for flatware?
The HS code for flatware is heading 8215. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8215.99 (68% of the value) and 8215.20 (30%). It sits in HS chapter 82 (tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8215 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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