Magnetic stripe cards imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported magnetic stripe cards worth $4.4 million (763 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 7% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $19.6 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 | $4.4M | 763 t |
| 2023 | $4.8M | 1.0K t |
| 2022 | $4.4M | 536 t |
| 2021 | $4.5M | 1.0K t |
| 2020 | $3.9M | 571 t |
| 2019 | $5.2M | 334 t |
| 2018 | $19.6M | 143 t |
| 2017 | $4.0M | 49 t |
Where South Africa imports magnetic stripe cards from
China alone supplied 52% of it. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+758% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.3M | 52% |
| Taiwan | $1.1M | 25% |
| Germany | $301K | 6.8% |
| Netherlands | $162K | 3.7% |
| India | $161K | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $133K | 3% |
| Italy | $117K | 2.7% |
| France | $47K | 1.1% |
| Ireland | $44K | 1% |
| United States | $25K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.81 per kg, 80% below the world average of $29.31, 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.
Magnetic stripe cards exports from South Africa
Exports of magnetic stripe cards by South Africa reached $2.6 million in 2024 (82 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Botswana (18%), Namibia (14%), Tanzania (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 46%. Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest (+246% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $467K | 18% |
| Namibia | $366K | 14% |
| Tanzania | $357K | 14% |
| Ghana | $224K | 8.7% |
| Mozambique | $159K | 6.2% |
| Malawi | $152K | 5.9% |
| Zambia | $143K | 5.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $134K | 5.2% |
| Eswatini | $93K | 3.6% |
| Kenya | $90K | 3.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa magnetic stripe cards imports (HS 8523.21): 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 8523.21: Magnetic media: cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Common questions
What is the value of magnetic stripe cards imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported magnetic stripe cards worth $4.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 763 tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 201 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply magnetic stripe cards to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 52% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Taiwan (25%) and Germany (7%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 758% on the year.
What is the average import price of magnetic stripe cards per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.81 per kg in 2024, 80% below the world average of $29.31 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of magnetic stripe cards to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.0 million in 2017 to $4.4 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2018 at $19.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export magnetic stripe cards?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for magnetic stripe cards?
The HS code for magnetic stripe cards is subheading 8523.21. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8523 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
World magnetic stripe cards trade: top importers and exporters
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