Hand-painted artwork exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of hand-painted artwork by South Africa reached $34.1 million in 2024 (213 tonnes). That is 28% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $55.0 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $34.1M | 213 t |
| 2023 | $47.6M | 167 t |
| 2022 | $29.9M | 214 t |
| 2021 | $41.7M | 172 t |
| 2020 | $32.3M | 184 t |
| 2019 | $37.3M | 231 t |
| 2018 | $39.8M | 180 t |
| 2017 | $55.0M | 223 t |
Where South Africa exports hand-painted artwork to
The largest buyer markets were United States (26%), United Kingdom (21%), Switzerland (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+48% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $9.0M | 26% |
| United Kingdom | $7.2M | 21% |
| Switzerland | $2.9M | 8.6% |
| Greece | $2.2M | 6.4% |
| Germany | $1.9M | 5.5% |
| Italy | $965K | 2.8% |
| Australia | $960K | 2.8% |
| France | $936K | 2.8% |
| Netherlands | $933K | 2.7% |
| Belgium | $927K | 2.7% |
Product types under HS 9701
| 9701.10 | Paintings, drawings and pastels: executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906 | 55% |
| 9701.90 | Artwork: collages and similar decorative plaques | 45% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9701.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $159.74 per kg, 83% below the world average of $937.31, 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.
Hand-painted artwork imports to South Africa
Imports of hand-painted artwork by South Africa reached $6.1 million in 2024 (169 tonnes). Most of the value came from China (16%), United Kingdom (14%), France (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 42%. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+620% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $976K | 16% |
| United Kingdom | $830K | 14% |
| France | $777K | 13% |
| United States | $686K | 11% |
| Germany | $471K | 7.7% |
| Italy | $399K | 6.6% |
| New Zealand | $359K | 5.9% |
| Belgium | $231K | 3.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $212K | 3.5% |
| Netherlands | $170K | 2.8% |
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 9701: Paintings, drawings and pastels, executed entirely by hand; not drawings of heading no. 4906 and not hand-painted, hand-decorated manufactured articles; collages, mosaics and similar decorative plaques.
Common questions
What is the value of hand-painted artwork exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported hand-painted artwork worth $34.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 213 tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 205 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 28% on 2023.
Which countries buy hand-painted artwork from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 26% of the value ($9.0 million), followed by the United Kingdom (21%) and Switzerland (9%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 101 buyer countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 48% on the year.
What is the average export price of hand-painted artwork per kg?
The average declared export value was about $159.74 per kg in 2024, 83% below the world average of $937.31 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 exports of hand-painted artwork from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $55.0 million in 2017 to $34.1 million in 2024, a fall of 38%. The peak was 2017 at $55.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import hand-painted artwork?
Yes. South Africa imported $6.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United Kingdom and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $28.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for hand-painted artwork?
The HS code for hand-painted artwork is heading 9701. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9701.10 (55% of the value) and 9701.90 (45%). It sits in HS chapter 97 (works of art; collectors' pieces and antiques). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9701 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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