Leather clothing and accessories imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $20.0 million of leather clothing and accessories in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). That is 6% 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 | $20.0M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $18.9M | 3.0K t |
| 2022 | $19.4M | 4.1K t |
| 2021 | $19.5M | 4.9K t |
| 2020 | $14.7M | 2.8K t |
| 2019 | $20.7M | 3.1K t |
| 2018 | $19.6M | 3.2K t |
| 2017 | $23.8M | 3.5K t |
Where South Africa imports leather clothing and accessories from
Most of the value came from Pakistan (32%), China (28%), India (9%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | $6.4M | 32% |
| China | $5.6M | 28% |
| India | $1.8M | 9% |
| Italy | $1.7M | 8.4% |
| Indonesia | $1.4M | 7.1% |
| Spain | $812K | 4.1% |
| Thailand | $285K | 1.4% |
| Turkey | $226K | 1.1% |
| France | $217K | 1.1% |
| Vietnam | $196K | 1% |
Product types under HS 4203
| 4203.29 | Clothing accessories: gloves, mittens and mitts, n.e.c. in heading no. 4203, of leather or composition leather, not specially designed for use in… | 49% |
| 4203.30 | Clothing accessories: belts and bandoliers, of leather or of composition leather | 22% |
| 4203.21 | Clothing accessories: gloves, mittens and mitts, specially designed for use in sports, of leather or composition leather, padded | 14% |
| 4203.10 | Apparel: articles of apparel, of leather or of composition leather | 13% |
| 4203.40 | Clothing accessories: of leather or of composition leather, n.e.c. in heading no. 4203 | 2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4203.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.59 per kg, 73% below the world average of $36.10, 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.
Leather clothing and accessories exports from South Africa
Exports of leather clothing and accessories by South Africa reached $6.8 million in 2024 (504 tonnes). Most of it went to United States (29%), Namibia (15%), Botswana (10%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+673% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.0M | 29% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 15% |
| Botswana | $669K | 9.8% |
| Mozambique | $487K | 7.1% |
| Eswatini | $482K | 7.1% |
| Zambia | $304K | 4.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $207K | 3% |
| DR Congo | $194K | 2.8% |
| Lesotho | $180K | 2.6% |
| Italy | $148K | 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 4203: Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of leather or of composition leather.
Common questions
What is the value of leather clothing and accessories imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported leather clothing and accessories worth $20.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply leather clothing and accessories to South Africa?
Pakistan was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($6.4 million), followed by China (28%) and India (9%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 97 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 78% on the year.
What is the average import price of leather clothing and accessories per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.59 per kg in 2024, 73% below the world average of $36.10 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 leather clothing and accessories to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $23.8 million in 2017 to $20.0 million in 2024, a fall of 16%. The peak was 2017 at $23.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export leather clothing and accessories?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $13.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for leather clothing and accessories?
The HS code for leather clothing and accessories is heading 4203. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4203.29 (49% of the value) and 4203.30 (22%). 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 4203 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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