Lighters imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of lighters by South Africa reached $6.7 million in 2024 (3.2 thousand tonnes). Value fell 19% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $8.5 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 | $6.7M | 3.2K t |
| 2023 | $8.3M | 596 t |
| 2022 | $8.5M | 2.1K t |
| 2021 | $7.7M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $6.4M | 589 t |
| 2019 | $6.2M | 488 t |
| 2018 | $6.3M | 435 t |
| 2017 | $6.8M | 1.5K t |
Where South Africa imports lighters from
Most of the value came from China (49%), Spain (17%), France (15%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+67% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.2M | 49% |
| Spain | $1.1M | 17% |
| France | $1.0M | 15% |
| Thailand | $273K | 4.1% |
| Philippines | $246K | 3.7% |
| United States | $211K | 3.2% |
| Hong Kong | $135K | 2% |
| Netherlands | $119K | 1.8% |
| Germany | $78K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $67K | 1% |
Product types under HS 9613
| 9613.10 | Lighters: pocket, cigarette, gas fuelled, non-refillable | 46% |
| 9613.80 | Lighters: whether or not mechanical or electrical, n.e.c. in heading no. 9613 | 26% |
| 9613.20 | Lighters: pocket, cigarette, gas fuelled, refillable | 21% |
| 9613.90 | Lighters: parts for cigarette lighters and other lighters, whether or not mechanical or electrical, other than flints and wicks | 6.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9613.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.07 per kg, 74% below the world average of $8.00, 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.
Lighters exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported lighters worth $1.6 million (130 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (22%), Russia (19%), Botswana (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+228% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $346K | 22% |
| Russia | $306K | 19% |
| Botswana | $194K | 12% |
| Zambia | $144K | 9.1% |
| Cyprus | $131K | 8.3% |
| Mauritius | $104K | 6.6% |
| Madagascar | $94K | 5.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $69K | 4.4% |
| Mozambique | $45K | 2.8% |
| Eswatini | $43K | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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: Cigarette lighters and other lighters, whether or not mechanical or electrical and parts thereof other than flints and wicks.
Common questions
What is the value of lighters imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lighters worth $6.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 55th of 216 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply lighters to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 49% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by Spain (17%) and France (15%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 40 supplier countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 142% on the year.
What is the average import price of lighters per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.07 per kg in 2024, 74% below the world average of $8.00 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of lighters to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.8 million in 2017 to $6.7 million in 2024, a fall of 2%. The peak was 2022 at $8.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export lighters?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Russia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for lighters?
The HS code for lighters is heading 9613. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9613.10 (46% of the value) and 9613.80 (25%). 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?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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