Leather safety shoes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $39.4 million of leather safety shoes in 2024 (5.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value rose 29% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
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 | $39.4M | 5.1K t |
| 2023 | $30.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $31.6M | 1.5K t |
| 2021 | $22.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $15.1M | 799 t |
| 2019 | $21.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2018 | $22.7M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $21.2M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports leather safety shoes from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 81% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $31.8M | 81% |
| India | $4.8M | 12% |
| Bangladesh | $2.3M | 5.8% |
| Hong Kong | $149K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $80K | 0.2% |
| France | $56K | 0.1% |
| Turkey | $37K | 0.1% |
| United States | $20K | 0.1% |
| Eswatini | $19K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $19K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.70 per kg, 51% below the world average of $15.70, 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 safety shoes exports from South Africa
Exports of leather safety shoes by South Africa reached $12.3 million in 2024 (809 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (18%), Namibia (17%), Zambia (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+75% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.2M | 18% |
| Namibia | $2.0M | 17% |
| Zambia | $1.8M | 14% |
| Botswana | $1.7M | 14% |
| Mozambique | $860K | 7% |
| DR Congo | $689K | 5.6% |
| Eswatini | $688K | 5.6% |
| Lesotho | $607K | 5% |
| Malawi | $563K | 4.6% |
| Tanzania | $390K | 3.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa leather safety shoes imports (HS 6403.40): 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 6403.40: Footwear: with metal toe-cap, outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather, uppers of leather.
Common questions
What is the value of leather safety shoes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported leather safety shoes worth $39.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 218 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 29% on 2023.
Which countries supply leather safety shoes to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 81% of the value ($31.8 million), followed by India (12%) and Bangladesh (6%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 49 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 678% on the year.
What is the average import price of leather safety shoes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.70 per kg in 2024, 51% below the world average of $15.70 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of leather safety shoes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $21.2 million in 2017 to $39.4 million in 2024, an increase of 86%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $25.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export leather safety shoes?
Yes. South Africa exported $12.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $27.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for leather safety shoes?
The HS code for leather safety shoes is subheading 6403.40. It sits in HS chapter 64 (footwear; gaiters and the like; parts of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6403 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 leather safety shoes trade: top importers and exporters
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