Life-jackets imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of life-jackets by South Africa reached $2.0 million in 2024 (207 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2020, at $3.0 million.
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 | $2.0M | 207 t |
| 2023 | $2.0M | 110 t |
| 2022 | $1.6M | 137 t |
| 2021 | $1.3M | 110 t |
| 2020 | $3.0M | 98 t |
| 2019 | $1.1M | 80 t |
| 2018 | $1.2M | 72 t |
| 2017 | $1.1M | 98 t |
Where South Africa imports life-jackets from
The largest suppliers were China (37%), United Kingdom (17%), India (11%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $748K | 37% |
| United Kingdom | $334K | 17% |
| India | $228K | 11% |
| Greece | $208K | 10% |
| Thailand | $130K | 6.5% |
| United States | $76K | 3.8% |
| France | $43K | 2.1% |
| Germany | $35K | 1.8% |
| Namibia | $32K | 1.6% |
| Italy | $29K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.70 per kg, 54% below the world average of $21.17, 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.
Life-jackets exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.9 million of life-jackets in 2024 (108 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (15%), United States (13%), Namibia (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 40%. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+112% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $285K | 15% |
| United States | $240K | 13% |
| Namibia | $223K | 12% |
| Zambia | $130K | 6.9% |
| Botswana | $127K | 6.8% |
| Br. Virgin Isds | $113K | 6% |
| Angola | $96K | 5.1% |
| Eswatini | $94K | 5% |
| Zimbabwe | $91K | 4.8% |
| DR Congo | $63K | 3.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa life-jackets imports (HS 6307.20): 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 6307.20: Life-jackets and life-belts.
Common questions
What is the value of life-jackets imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported life-jackets worth $2.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 207 tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply life-jackets to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($748 thousand), followed by the United Kingdom (17%) and India (11%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 59 supplier countries in total. Greece grew fastest among the top ten, up 240% on the year.
What is the average import price of life-jackets per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.70 per kg in 2024, 54% below the world average of $21.17 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of life-jackets to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.1 million in 2017 to $2.0 million in 2024, an increase of 75%. The peak was 2020 at $3.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export life-jackets?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, the United States and Namibia. That compares with imports of $2.0 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for life-jackets?
The HS code for life-jackets is subheading 6307.20. It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6307 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
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