Gemstone jewelry imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported gemstone jewelry worth $3.0 million (38 tonnes). Value rose 24% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 29% a year on average.
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 | $3.0M | 39 t |
| 2023 | $2.4M | 157 t |
| 2022 | $2.2M | 184 t |
| 2021 | $1.8M | 75 t |
| 2020 | $1.1M | 210 t |
| 2019 | $519K | 196 t |
| 2018 | $593K | 72 t |
| 2017 | $485K | 35 t |
Where South Africa imports gemstone jewelry from
The largest suppliers were Thailand (43%), China (27%), Vietnam (15%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+785% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $1.3M | 43% |
| China | $801K | 27% |
| Vietnam | $454K | 15% |
| Italy | $143K | 4.8% |
| Lithuania | $63K | 2.1% |
| United States | $58K | 2% |
| France | $22K | 0.7% |
| Serbia | $20K | 0.7% |
| Switzerland | $17K | 0.6% |
| India | $16K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 7116
| 7116.20 | Stones: precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed) articles of | 96% |
| 7116.10 | Pearls: articles of natural or cultured pearls | 4.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7116.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $76.64 per kg, 31% below the world average of $111.71, 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.
Gemstone jewelry exports from South Africa
Exports of gemstone jewelry by South Africa reached $485 thousand in 2024 (221 tonnes). Most of it went to United States (40%), Namibia (15%), Spain (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+426% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $192K | 40% |
| Namibia | $75K | 16% |
| Spain | $57K | 12% |
| Nigeria | $20K | 4.1% |
| China | $17K | 3.5% |
| Taiwan | $15K | 3.1% |
| Finland | $14K | 2.9% |
| United Kingdom | $14K | 2.9% |
| France | $12K | 2.4% |
| Australia | $10K | 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 7116: Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed).
Common questions
What is the value of gemstone jewelry imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported gemstone jewelry worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 38 tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 199 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply gemstone jewelry to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 43% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by China (27%) and Vietnam (15%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 55 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 785% on the year.
What is the average import price of gemstone jewelry per kg?
The average declared import value was about $76.64 per kg in 2024, 31% below the world average of $111.71 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 gemstone jewelry to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $485 thousand in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, an increase of 508%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export gemstone jewelry?
Yes. South Africa exported $485 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Namibia and Spain. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for gemstone jewelry?
The HS code for gemstone jewelry is heading 7116. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7116.20 (96% of the value) and 7116.10 (4%). It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7116 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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