Lighter imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.1 million of lighter in 2024 (923 tonnes). That is 22% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $4.0 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 | $3.1M | 923 t |
| 2023 | $4.0M | 312 t |
| 2022 | $3.0M | 255 t |
| 2021 | $3.3M | 309 t |
| 2020 | $3.8M | 343 t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 245 t |
| 2018 | $3.3M | 249 t |
| 2017 | $3.7M | 361 t |
Where South Africa imports lighter from
Most of the value came from China (31%), France (30%), Spain (28%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+68% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $951K | 31% |
| France | $938K | 30% |
| Spain | $860K | 28% |
| Philippines | $246K | 7.9% |
| Netherlands | $93K | 3% |
| Switzerland | $5K | 0.2% |
| Austria | $1K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.35 per kg, 61% below the world average of $8.52, 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.
Lighter exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported lighter worth $360 thousand (30 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (24%), Mauritius (21%), Madagascar (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+567% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $86K | 24% |
| Mauritius | $77K | 21% |
| Madagascar | $63K | 18% |
| Namibia | $47K | 13% |
| Lesotho | $29K | 7.9% |
| Seychelles | $13K | 3.5% |
| Botswana | $11K | 3.1% |
| Eswatini | $11K | 3% |
| Mozambique | $10K | 2.8% |
| Malawi | $5K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lighter imports (HS 9613.10): 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 9613.10: Lighters: pocket, cigarette, gas fuelled, non-refillable.
Common questions
What is the value of lighter imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lighter worth $3.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 923 tonnes. That ranks it 50th of 199 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply lighter to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($951 thousand), followed by France (30%) and Spain (28%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 68% on the year.
What is the average import price of lighter per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.35 per kg in 2024, 61% below the world average of $8.52 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of lighter to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.7 million in 2017 to $3.1 million in 2024, a fall of 16%. The peak was 2023 at $4.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export lighter?
Yes. South Africa exported $360 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Mauritius and Madagascar. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for lighter?
The HS code for lighter is subheading 9613.10. It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9613 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.
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