Footwear parts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $14.5 million of footwear parts in 2024 (4.9 thousand tonnes). That is 35% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $26.3 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 | $14.5M | 4.9K t |
| 2023 | $22.4M | 4.7K t |
| 2022 | $26.3M | 5.6K t |
| 2021 | $19.1M | 7.2K t |
| 2020 | $16.2M | 7.0K t |
| 2019 | $16.4M | 5.9K t |
| 2018 | $17.4M | 6.3K t |
| 2017 | $16.4M | 4.8K t |
Where South Africa imports footwear parts from
China alone supplied 52% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.5M | 52% |
| India | $4.3M | 29% |
| Italy | $1.1M | 7.7% |
| Vietnam | $348K | 2.4% |
| United States | $199K | 1.4% |
| Taiwan | $189K | 1.3% |
| Lesotho | $153K | 1.1% |
| Brazil | $143K | 1% |
| Spain | $101K | 0.7% |
| Portugal | $73K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 6406
| 6406.10 | Footwear: parts, uppers and parts thereof, other than stiffeners | 55% |
| 6406.20 | Footwear: parts, outer soles and heels, of rubber or plastics | 25% |
| 6406.90 | Footwear: parts, n.e.c. in heading 6406 | 20% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6406.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.93 per kg, 74% below the world average of $11.42, 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.
Footwear parts exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.6 million of footwear parts in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Lesotho accounted for 61% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+77% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $1.6M | 61% |
| Zambia | $313K | 12% |
| Namibia | $140K | 5.4% |
| Botswana | $106K | 4.1% |
| Spain | $96K | 3.7% |
| Italy | $64K | 2.5% |
| Mozambique | $47K | 1.8% |
| DR Congo | $42K | 1.6% |
| Singapore | $37K | 1.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $34K | 1.3% |
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 6406: Footwear; parts of footwear; removable in-soles, heel cushions and similar articles; gaiters, le.g.ings and similar articles, and parts thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of footwear parts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported footwear parts worth $14.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 68th of 204 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 35% on 2023.
Which countries supply footwear parts to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 52% of the value ($7.5 million), followed by India (29%) and Italy (8%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 62 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 197% on the year.
What is the average import price of footwear parts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.93 per kg in 2024, 74% below the world average of $11.42 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 footwear parts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $16.4 million in 2017 to $14.5 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2022 at $26.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export footwear parts?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Zambia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for footwear parts?
The HS code for footwear parts is heading 6406. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6406.10 (55% of the value) and 6406.20 (25%). It sits in HS chapter 64 (footwear; gaiters and the like; parts of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6406 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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.