Office chairs imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of office chairs by South Africa reached $19.7 million in 2024 (8.1 thousand tonnes). Value rose 26% on 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 | $19.7M | 8.1K t |
| 2023 | $15.6M | 2.1K t |
| 2022 | $17.1M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $18.1M | 2.5K t |
| 2020 | $12.4M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $17.3M | 2.6K t |
| 2018 | $18.8M | 2.5K t |
| 2017 | $16.5M | 2.4K t |
Where South Africa imports office chairs from
China alone supplied 85% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $16.7M | 85% |
| South Korea | $862K | 4.4% |
| France | $543K | 2.8% |
| United Kingdom | $480K | 2.4% |
| Malaysia | $213K | 1.1% |
| Italy | $192K | 1% |
| Germany | $156K | 0.8% |
| Poland | $149K | 0.8% |
| Vietnam | $112K | 0.6% |
| United States | $87K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.41 per kg, 59% below the world average of $5.89, 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.
Office chairs exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported office chairs worth $6.5 million (709 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (34%), Botswana (24%), Zimbabwe (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+924% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.2M | 34% |
| Botswana | $1.5M | 24% |
| Zimbabwe | $506K | 7.8% |
| Eswatini | $470K | 7.3% |
| Zambia | $379K | 5.9% |
| Mozambique | $307K | 4.7% |
| Kenya | $220K | 3.4% |
| Argentina | $170K | 2.6% |
| Malawi | $101K | 1.6% |
| Singapore | $98K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa office chairs imports (HS 9401.30): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 9401.30: Seats: swivel with variable height adjustment, excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture.
Common questions
What is the value of office chairs imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported office chairs worth $19.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 219 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 26% on 2023.
Which countries supply office chairs to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 85% of the value ($16.7 million), followed by South Korea (4%) and France (3%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 41 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 592% on the year.
What is the average import price of office chairs per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.41 per kg in 2024, 59% below the world average of $5.89 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of office chairs to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $16.5 million in 2017 to $19.7 million in 2024, an increase of 19%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $16.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export office chairs?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $13.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for office chairs?
The HS code for office chairs is subheading 9401.30. 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?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.