Match exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of match by South Africa reached $9.2 million in 2024 (2.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 5th of 103 countries for exports of this product. That is 14% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $11.5 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9.2M | 2.9K t |
| 2023 | $8.1M | 3.0K t |
| 2022 | $8.7M | 3.3K t |
| 2021 | $7.7M | 2.9K t |
| 2020 | $6.8M | 3.3K t |
| 2019 | $6.2M | 2.3K t |
| 2018 | $10.4M | 4.1K t |
| 2017 | $11.5M | 4.7K t |
Where South Africa exports match to
The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (43%), Lesotho (14%), Namibia (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+32% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $3.9M | 43% |
| Lesotho | $1.3M | 15% |
| Namibia | $1.3M | 14% |
| Botswana | $1.1M | 12% |
| Eswatini | $701K | 7.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $213K | 2.3% |
| Angola | $181K | 2% |
| Comoros | $168K | 1.8% |
| Zambia | $162K | 1.8% |
| France | $119K | 1.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.21 per kg, 53% above the world average of $2.10. 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.
Match imports to South Africa
Imports of match by South Africa reached $1.0 million in 2024 (1.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: India accounted for 87% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Pakistan grew fastest (+60% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $895K | 87% |
| Pakistan | $69K | 6.7% |
| Sweden | $28K | 2.7% |
| Poland | $14K | 1.4% |
| China | $12K | 1.1% |
| United Kingdom | $11K | 1% |
| Belgium | $1K | 0.1% |
| Denmark | $1K | 0.1% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
| Latvia | $0K | 0% |
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 3605: Matches; other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604.
Common questions
What is the value of match exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported match worth $9.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 103 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries buy match from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 43% of the value ($3.9 million), followed by Lesotho (14%) and Namibia (14%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 17 buyer countries in total. The Comoros grew fastest among the top ten, up 92% on the year.
What is the average export price of match per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.21 per kg in 2024, 53% above the world average of $2.10 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 exports of match from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $11.5 million in 2017 to $9.2 million in 2024, a fall of 20%. The peak was 2017 at $11.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import match?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, Pakistan and Sweden. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $8.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for match?
The HS code for match is heading 3605. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3605.00. It sits in HS chapter 36 (explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3605 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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