Leather handbag imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of leather handbag by South Africa reached $17.9 million in 2024 (4.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 9% from 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 | $17.9M | 4.5K t |
| 2023 | $19.6M | 3.5K t |
| 2022 | $18.2M | 2.8K t |
| 2021 | $12.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2020 | $8.5M | 5.1K t |
| 2019 | $13.4M | 2.7K t |
| 2018 | $11.9M | 1.5K t |
| 2017 | $12.1M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports leather handbag from
The largest suppliers were Italy (26%), France (24%), China (18%). Among the main suppliers, Vietnam grew fastest (+65% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $4.6M | 26% |
| France | $4.4M | 25% |
| China | $3.2M | 18% |
| India | $1.7M | 9.6% |
| Cambodia | $971K | 5.4% |
| Spain | $867K | 4.8% |
| Vietnam | $845K | 4.7% |
| Indonesia | $412K | 2.3% |
| Bangladesh | $307K | 1.7% |
| Philippines | $132K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.99 per kg, 97% below the world average of $140.47, 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 handbag exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.8 million of leather handbag in 2024 (164 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (24%), France (19%), Italy (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Italy grew fastest (+81% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $924K | 25% |
| France | $701K | 19% |
| Italy | $442K | 12% |
| Zambia | $439K | 12% |
| Eswatini | $269K | 7.1% |
| Botswana | $123K | 3.2% |
| United States | $115K | 3% |
| Singapore | $105K | 2.8% |
| Thailand | $88K | 2.3% |
| Lesotho | $83K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa leather handbag imports (HS 4202.21): 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 4202.21: Cases and containers: handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer surface of leather or of composition leather.
Common questions
What is the value of leather handbag imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported leather handbag worth $17.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 214 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply leather handbag to South Africa?
Italy was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($4.6 million), followed by France (24%) and China (18%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 81 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 65% on the year.
What is the average import price of leather handbag per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.99 per kg in 2024, 97% below the world average of $140.47 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of leather handbag to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.1 million in 2017 to $17.9 million in 2024, an increase of 49%. The peak was 2023 at $19.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $14.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export leather handbag?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, France and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for leather handbag?
The HS code for leather handbag is subheading 4202.21. 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 4202 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
More trade data for South Africa
- Cases and containers (plastic or textile, other)
- Handbag (plastic or textile)
- Luggage (plastic or textile)
- Cases and containers (fibre or paperboard, other)
- Handbag (fibre or paperboard)
- Small goods (plastic or textile)
- Small leather goods
- Luggage (fibre or paperboard)
- All South Africa trade data
- HS 4202 codes
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