Furniture imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $196.2 million of furniture in 2024 (139.0 thousand tonnes). That is 12% more than in 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 | $196.2M | 139.0K t |
| 2023 | $174.6M | 62.0K t |
| 2022 | $220.9M | 70.1K t |
| 2021 | $193.7M | 69.4K t |
| 2020 | $141.7M | 90.8K t |
| 2019 | $205.5M | 84.9K t |
| 2018 | $217.9M | 85.6K t |
| 2017 | $180.7M | 77.6K t |
Where South Africa imports furniture from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 62% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $122.3M | 62% |
| Italy | $10.3M | 5.3% |
| Malaysia | $8.8M | 4.5% |
| Germany | $8.1M | 4.1% |
| Vietnam | $6.8M | 3.5% |
| India | $5.5M | 2.8% |
| Brazil | $5.5M | 2.8% |
| Indonesia | $3.2M | 1.6% |
| Spain | $3.1M | 1.6% |
| Turkey | $3.0M | 1.5% |
Product types under HS 9403
| 9403.20 | Furniture: metal, other than for office use | 23% |
| 9403.60 | Furniture: wooden, other than for office, kitchen or bedroom use | 22% |
| 9403.90 | Furniture: parts | 16% |
| 9403.50 | Furniture: wooden, for bedroom use | 12% |
| 9403.70 | Furniture: plastic | 6.8% |
| 9403.89 | Furniture: of cane, osier, or similar materials (other than bamboo or rattan) | 5.4% |
| 9403.40 | Furniture: wooden, for kitchen use | 5.1% |
| 9403.30 | Furniture: wooden, for office use | 4.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9403.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.41 per kg, 60% below the world average of $3.52, 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.
Furniture exports from South Africa
Exports of furniture by South Africa reached $111.7 million in 2024 (29.0 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (17%), Namibia (16%), Zambia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+192% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $19.3M | 17% |
| Namibia | $17.9M | 16% |
| Zambia | $10.8M | 9.6% |
| Eswatini | $9.9M | 8.9% |
| Lesotho | $6.9M | 6.1% |
| Mozambique | $5.8M | 5.2% |
| DR Congo | $5.5M | 4.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $5.3M | 4.7% |
| Mauritius | $3.6M | 3.2% |
| Kenya | $3.3M | 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 9403: Furniture and parts thereof, n.e.c. in chapter 94.
Common questions
What is the value of furniture imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported furniture worth $196.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 139.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 57th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply furniture to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 62% of the value ($122.3 million), followed by Italy (5%) and Malaysia (4%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 105 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 50% on the year.
What is the average import price of furniture per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.41 per kg in 2024, 60% below the world average of $3.52 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 furniture to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $180.7 million in 2017 to $196.2 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. The peak was 2022 at $220.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export furniture?
Yes. South Africa exported $111.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $84.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for furniture?
The HS code for furniture is heading 9403. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9403.20 (23% of the value) and 9403.60 (22%). It sits in HS chapter 94 (furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, n.e.c.; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; prefabricated buildings). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9403 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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