Leather tanning and processing machinery imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of leather tanning and processing machinery by South Africa reached $2.4 million in 2024 (185 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 23% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $5.3 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.4M | 185 t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 242 t |
| 2022 | $776K | 68 t |
| 2021 | $4.2M | 394 t |
| 2020 | $1.1M | 89 t |
| 2019 | $5.3M | 498 t |
| 2018 | $3.2M | 236 t |
| 2017 | $5.2M | 540 t |
Where South Africa imports leather tanning and processing machinery from
One supplier dominates: Italy accounted for 80% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+283% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $1.9M | 80% |
| China | $277K | 12% |
| Germany | $139K | 5.9% |
| United States | $38K | 1.6% |
| India | $8K | 0.3% |
| Singapore | $7K | 0.3% |
| Canada | $4K | 0.2% |
| Netherlands | $3K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $2K | 0.1% |
| Taiwan | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.79 per kg, 37% above the world average of $9.36. 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 tanning and processing machinery exports from South Africa
Exports of leather tanning and processing machinery by South Africa reached $266 thousand in 2024 (28 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Italy (45%), Namibia (28%), Zimbabwe (25%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+441% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $119K | 45% |
| Namibia | $74K | 28% |
| Zimbabwe | $66K | 25% |
| Seychelles | $6K | 2.4% |
| Switzerland | $0K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $0K | 0% |
| Malawi | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa leather tanning and processing machinery imports (HS 8453.10): 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 8453.10: Machinery: for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins or leather, other than sewing machines.
Common questions
What is the value of leather tanning and processing machinery imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported leather tanning and processing machinery worth $2.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 185 tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 139 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply leather tanning and processing machinery to South Africa?
Italy was the largest supplier with 80% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by China (12%) and Germany (6%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 11 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 283% on the year.
What is the average import price of leather tanning and processing machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $12.79 per kg in 2024, 37% above the world average of $9.36 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of leather tanning and processing machinery to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.2 million in 2017 to $2.4 million in 2024, a fall of 55%. The peak was 2019 at $5.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export leather tanning and processing machinery?
Yes. South Africa exported $266 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Italy, Namibia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for leather tanning and processing machinery?
The HS code for leather tanning and processing machinery is subheading 8453.10. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8453 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 tanning and processing machinery trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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