Glass beads imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $6.8 million of glass beads in 2024 (5.8 thousand tonnes). That is 16% 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 | $6.8M | 5.8K t |
| 2023 | $5.9M | 4.0K t |
| 2022 | $4.5M | 3.7K t |
| 2021 | $3.8M | 6.7K t |
| 2020 | $3.2M | 2.7K t |
| 2019 | $4.9M | 4.9K t |
| 2018 | $4.9M | 5.2K t |
| 2017 | $4.8M | 4.8K t |
Where South Africa imports glass beads from
The largest suppliers were China (35%), Czech Republic (34%), Germany (11%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+860% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.4M | 35% |
| Czech Republic | $2.3M | 34% |
| Germany | $737K | 11% |
| United States | $552K | 8.1% |
| France | $330K | 4.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $125K | 1.8% |
| United Kingdom | $80K | 1.2% |
| Taiwan | $67K | 1% |
| Netherlands | $58K | 0.9% |
| India | $42K | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 7018
| 7018.10 | Glass: beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares | 50% |
| 7018.20 | Glass microspheres: not exceeding 1mm in diameter | 38% |
| 7018.90 | Glass: articles thereof, statuettes and other ornaments of lamp worked glass, other than imitation jewellery | 12% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7018.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.17 per kg, 54% below the world average of $2.53, 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.
Glass beads exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $625 thousand of glass beads in 2024 (245 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (18%), Namibia (18%), United States (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, Seychelles grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $113K | 18% |
| Namibia | $112K | 18% |
| United States | $66K | 11% |
| Seychelles | $63K | 10% |
| Eswatini | $44K | 7.1% |
| Lesotho | $29K | 4.7% |
| Mali | $24K | 3.8% |
| Zambia | $17K | 2.7% |
| Mozambique | $17K | 2.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $14K | 2.2% |
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 7018: Glass beads, imitation pearls, precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares, statuettes and other ornaments of worked glass; glass microspheres not exceeding 1mm in diameter.
Common questions
What is the value of glass beads imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported glass beads worth $6.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 207 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply glass beads to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by the Czech Republic (34%) and Germany (11%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 860% on the year.
What is the average import price of glass beads per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.17 per kg in 2024, 54% below the world average of $2.53 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 glass beads to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.8 million in 2017 to $6.8 million in 2024, an increase of 42%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export glass beads?
Yes. South Africa exported $625 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for glass beads?
The HS code for glass beads is heading 7018. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7018.10 (50% of the value) and 7018.20 (38%). It sits in HS chapter 70 (glass and glassware). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7018 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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