Household sewing machines imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of household sewing machines by South Africa reached $3.3 million in 2024 (144 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $8.5 million.
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 | $3.3M | 144 t |
| 2023 | $3.3M | 178 t |
| 2022 | $4.4M | 250 t |
| 2021 | $7.8M | 479 t |
| 2020 | $6.4M | 411 t |
| 2019 | $6.1M | 402 t |
| 2018 | $8.5M | 497 t |
| 2017 | $6.6M | 442 t |
Where South Africa imports household sewing machines from
Most of the value came from Vietnam (44%), China (33%), Taiwan (11%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | $1.5M | 44% |
| China | $1.1M | 33% |
| Taiwan | $370K | 11% |
| Thailand | $275K | 8.2% |
| United States | $45K | 1.4% |
| Switzerland | $14K | 0.4% |
| Japan | $14K | 0.4% |
| Singapore | $13K | 0.4% |
| Poland | $9K | 0.3% |
| Netherlands | $8K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $23.31 per kg, 84% above the world average of $12.68. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Household sewing machines exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported household sewing machines worth $510 thousand (40 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (26%), Lesotho (26%), Namibia (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+362% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $133K | 26% |
| Lesotho | $131K | 26% |
| Namibia | $94K | 18% |
| Mozambique | $42K | 8.3% |
| Eswatini | $42K | 8.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $28K | 5.5% |
| Zambia | $21K | 4% |
| Malawi | $12K | 2.4% |
| Seychelles | $2K | 0.3% |
| Kenya | $1K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa household sewing machines imports (HS 8452.10): 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 8452.10: Sewing machines: of the household type.
Common questions
What is the value of household sewing machines imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported household sewing machines worth $3.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 144 tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 209 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply household sewing machines to South Africa?
Vietnam was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($1.5 million), followed by China (33%) and Taiwan (11%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 231% on the year.
What is the average import price of household sewing machines per kg?
The average declared import value was about $23.31 per kg in 2024, 84% above the world average of $12.68 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of household sewing machines to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.6 million in 2017 to $3.3 million in 2024, a fall of 50%. The peak was 2018 at $8.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export household sewing machines?
Yes. South Africa exported $510 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for household sewing machines?
The HS code for household sewing machines is subheading 8452.10. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8452 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World household sewing machines trade: top importers and exporters
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