Leather shoes (rubber sole) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of leather shoes (rubber sole) by South Africa reached $156.2 million in 2024 (3.8 thousand tonnes). That is 30% 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 | $156.2M | 3.8K t |
| 2023 | $120.1M | 2.7K t |
| 2022 | $139.4M | 3.3K t |
| 2021 | $120.6M | 3.0K t |
| 2020 | $105.2M | 2.7K t |
| 2019 | $127.9M | 3.4K t |
| 2018 | $118.8M | 3.1K t |
| 2017 | $116.0M | 3.2K t |
Where South Africa imports leather shoes (rubber sole) from
The largest suppliers were China (31%), Vietnam (25%), Italy (14%). Among the main suppliers, Indonesia grew fastest (+146% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $48.3M | 31% |
| Vietnam | $38.5M | 25% |
| Italy | $21.5M | 14% |
| Indonesia | $20.6M | 13% |
| India | $4.7M | 3% |
| Cambodia | $4.0M | 2.6% |
| Thailand | $3.9M | 2.5% |
| Germany | $3.0M | 2% |
| Portugal | $1.5M | 1% |
| Bangladesh | $1.4M | 0.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $40.96 per kg, close to the world average of $38.12.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Leather shoes (rubber sole) exports from South Africa
Exports of leather shoes (rubber sole) by South Africa reached $26.4 million in 2024 (784 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (34%), Namibia (12%), Lesotho (11%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+107% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $9.1M | 34% |
| Namibia | $3.3M | 12% |
| Lesotho | $2.9M | 11% |
| Zambia | $2.4M | 9.1% |
| United States | $2.4M | 9% |
| Eswatini | $1.7M | 6.5% |
| Mozambique | $1.2M | 4.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $558K | 2.1% |
| France | $527K | 2% |
| Netherlands | $517K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa leather shoes (rubber sole) imports (HS 6403.99): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 6403.99: Footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle), outer soles of rubber, plastics or composition leather, uppers of leather.
Common questions
What is the value of leather shoes (rubber sole) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported leather shoes (rubber sole) worth $156.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 30% on 2023.
Which countries supply leather shoes (rubber sole) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($48.3 million), followed by Vietnam (25%) and Italy (14%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 103 supplier countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 146% on the year.
What is the average import price of leather shoes (rubber sole) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $40.96 per kg in 2024, 7% above the world average of $38.12 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of leather shoes (rubber sole) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $116.0 million in 2017 to $156.2 million in 2024, an increase of 35%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $125.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export leather shoes (rubber sole)?
Yes. South Africa exported $26.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $129.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for leather shoes (rubber sole)?
The HS code for leather shoes (rubber sole) is subheading 6403.99. 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?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World leather shoes (rubber sole) trade: top importers and exporters
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