Metal chairs imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of metal chairs by South Africa reached $23.3 million in 2024 (7.6 thousand tonnes). That is 25% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $23.3M | 7.6K t |
| 2023 | $18.7M | 2.6K t |
| 2022 | $24.1M | 3.2K t |
| 2021 | $23.9M | 4.0K t |
| 2020 | $17.4M | 3.2K t |
| 2019 | $26.4M | 5.2K t |
| 2018 | $26.5M | 5.3K t |
| 2017 | $21.7M | 4.5K t |
Where South Africa imports metal chairs from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 88% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $20.5M | 88% |
| Vietnam | $737K | 3.2% |
| Germany | $364K | 1.6% |
| Indonesia | $354K | 1.5% |
| Italy | $245K | 1.1% |
| India | $238K | 1% |
| Austria | $190K | 0.8% |
| Turkey | $152K | 0.7% |
| France | $104K | 0.5% |
| Denmark | $100K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.05 per kg, 37% below the world average of $4.87, 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 chairs exports from South Africa
Exports of metal chairs by South Africa reached $4.3 million in 2024 (542 tonnes). Most of it went to China (22%), Botswana (17%), Namibia (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+110% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $967K | 23% |
| Botswana | $731K | 17% |
| Namibia | $656K | 15% |
| Eswatini | $320K | 7.4% |
| Zambia | $235K | 5.5% |
| Mauritius | $218K | 5.1% |
| United States | $185K | 4.3% |
| Lesotho | $140K | 3.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $107K | 2.5% |
| DR Congo | $97K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa metal chairs imports (HS 9401.79): 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 9401.79: Seats: with metal frames, not upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture).
Common questions
What is the value of metal chairs imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported metal chairs worth $23.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 25% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal chairs to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 88% of the value ($20.5 million), followed by Vietnam (3%) and Germany (2%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 48 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 102% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal chairs per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.05 per kg in 2024, 37% below the world average of $4.87 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of metal chairs to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $21.7 million in 2017 to $23.3 million in 2024, an increase of 7%. The peak was 2018 at $26.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $22.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export metal chairs?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to China, Botswana and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $19.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal chairs?
The HS code for metal chairs is subheading 9401.79. It sits in HS chapter 94 (furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, n.e.c.; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; prefabricated buildings). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9401 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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