Metal buckles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported metal buckles worth $9.7 million (1.7 thousand tonnes). That is 26% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $9.7M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $7.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $8.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $8.8M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $4.6M | 515 t |
| 2019 | $6.9M | 756 t |
| 2018 | $6.9M | 733 t |
| 2017 | $4.9M | 651 t |
Where South Africa imports metal buckles from
Most of the value came from China (30%), Romania (25%), Germany (16%). Among the main suppliers, Poland grew fastest (+259% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.9M | 30% |
| Romania | $2.4M | 25% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 16% |
| Poland | $845K | 8.7% |
| Italy | $746K | 7.7% |
| Taiwan | $378K | 3.9% |
| France | $357K | 3.7% |
| South Korea | $136K | 1.4% |
| Zambia | $81K | 0.8% |
| Japan | $68K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.84 per kg, 69% below the world average of $18.84, 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.
Metal buckles exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported metal buckles worth $810 thousand (138 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (23%), Eswatini (12%), Botswana (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, Senegal grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $187K | 23% |
| Eswatini | $101K | 13% |
| Botswana | $91K | 11% |
| Lesotho | $68K | 8.4% |
| DR Congo | $66K | 8.2% |
| Senegal | $40K | 4.9% |
| Mozambique | $30K | 3.7% |
| Spain | $29K | 3.5% |
| United States | $27K | 3.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $19K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa metal buckles imports (HS 8308.90): 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 8308.90: Clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle clasps: of base metal, of a kind used for clothing & accessories, footwear, jewellery, wrist-watches, books, awnings, leather goods, travel goods, saddlery etc, including parts.
Common questions
What is the value of metal buckles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported metal buckles worth $9.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 26% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal buckles to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by Romania (25%) and Germany (16%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 63 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 259% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal buckles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.84 per kg in 2024, 69% below the world average of $18.84 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of metal buckles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.9 million in 2017 to $9.7 million in 2024, an increase of 99%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $7.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export metal buckles?
Yes. South Africa exported $810 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal buckles?
The HS code for metal buckles is subheading 8308.90. It sits in HS chapter 83 (metal; miscellaneous products of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8308 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.
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