Leather articles exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $11.5 million of leather articles in 2024 (269 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 36% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 15% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $36.7 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 | $11.5M | 269 t |
| 2023 | $8.5M | 203 t |
| 2022 | $11.6M | 283 t |
| 2021 | $5.7M | 195 t |
| 2020 | $2.6M | 167 t |
| 2019 | $7.0M | 240 t |
| 2018 | $21.5M | 596 t |
| 2017 | $36.7M | 639 t |
Where South Africa exports leather articles to
Hungary alone took 55% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Morocco grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary | $6.4M | 55% |
| Moldova | $3.5M | 30% |
| Morocco | $848K | 7.3% |
| United States | $279K | 2.4% |
| Namibia | $112K | 1% |
| DR Congo | $58K | 0.5% |
| Botswana | $53K | 0.5% |
| Tanzania | $50K | 0.4% |
| Zambia | $46K | 0.4% |
| Mozambique | $41K | 0.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $42.98 per kg, 24% above the world average of $34.71. 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.
Leather articles imports to South Africa
Imports of leather articles by South Africa reached $2.3 million in 2024 (98 tonnes). Most of the value came from India (46%), China (21%), Germany (6%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+178% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.0M | 46% |
| China | $483K | 21% |
| Germany | $140K | 6.2% |
| Italy | $107K | 4.7% |
| Croatia | $70K | 3.1% |
| Israel | $55K | 2.4% |
| Pakistan | $51K | 2.2% |
| Portugal | $48K | 2.1% |
| France | $29K | 1.3% |
| Thailand | $27K | 1.2% |
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 4205: Leather or composition leather articles n.e.c. in chapter 42.
Common questions
What is the value of leather articles exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported leather articles worth $11.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 269 tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 156 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 36% on 2023.
Which countries buy leather articles from South Africa?
Hungary was the largest buyer with 55% of the value ($6.4 million), followed by Moldova (30%) and Morocco (7%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 69 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 329% on the year.
What is the average export price of leather articles per kg?
The average declared export value was about $42.98 per kg in 2024, 24% above the world average of $34.71 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 exports of leather articles from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $36.7 million in 2017 to $11.5 million in 2024, a fall of 69%. The peak was 2017 at $36.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import leather articles?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, China and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $9.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for leather articles?
The HS code for leather articles is heading 4205. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 4205.00. It sits in HS chapter 42 (articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (other than silk-worm gut)). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4205 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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