Glass beads and imitation pearls imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of glass beads and imitation pearls by South Africa reached $3.4 million in 2024 (763 tonnes). That is 5% 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 | $3.4M | 763 t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 748 t |
| 2022 | $2.4M | 437 t |
| 2021 | $2.5M | 449 t |
| 2020 | $1.9M | 293 t |
| 2019 | $2.4M | 402 t |
| 2018 | $2.1M | 370 t |
| 2017 | $2.5M | 496 t |
Where South Africa imports glass beads and imitation pearls from
One supplier dominates: Czech Republic accounted for 68% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+46% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | $2.3M | 68% |
| China | $484K | 14% |
| Germany | $411K | 12% |
| Saudi Arabia | $67K | 2% |
| India | $37K | 1.1% |
| United States | $26K | 0.8% |
| Japan | $21K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $13K | 0.4% |
| Ghana | $7K | 0.2% |
| Austria | $4K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.46 per kg, close to the world average of $4.87.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Glass beads and imitation pearls exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $315 thousand of glass beads and imitation pearls in 2024 (130 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (22%), Seychelles (20%), United States (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Seychelles grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $70K | 22% |
| Seychelles | $63K | 20% |
| United States | $30K | 9.4% |
| Mali | $24K | 7.5% |
| Namibia | $19K | 5.9% |
| Zambia | $16K | 5.1% |
| Eswatini | $14K | 4.5% |
| Lesotho | $11K | 3.3% |
| Mozambique | $9K | 2.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $8K | 2.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa glass beads and imitation pearls imports (HS 7018.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 7018.10: Glass: beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares.
Common questions
What is the value of glass beads and imitation pearls imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported glass beads and imitation pearls worth $3.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 763 tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 198 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply glass beads and imitation pearls to South Africa?
The Czech Republic was the largest supplier with 68% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by China (14%) and Germany (12%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 40 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 774% on the year.
What is the average import price of glass beads and imitation pearls per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.46 per kg in 2024, 8% below the world average of $4.87 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of glass beads and imitation pearls to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.5 million in 2017 to $3.4 million in 2024, an increase of 35%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export glass beads and imitation pearls?
Yes. South Africa exported $315 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, the Seychelles and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for glass beads and imitation pearls?
The HS code for glass beads and imitation pearls is subheading 7018.10. 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?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World glass beads and imitation pearls trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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