Parachutes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of parachutes by South Africa reached $22.6 million in 2024 (127 tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 97 countries. That is 31% 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $22.6M | 127 t |
| 2023 | $17.3M | 106 t |
| 2022 | $11.2M | 62 t |
| 2021 | $8.8M | 52 t |
| 2020 | $10.1M | 47 t |
| 2019 | $8.8M | 55 t |
| 2018 | $6.3M | 38 t |
| 2017 | $11.4M | 75 t |
Where South Africa exports parachutes to
One buyer market dominates: France accounted for 77% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, United Kingdom grew fastest (+497% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $17.4M | 77% |
| Libya | $2.3M | 10% |
| United Kingdom | $1.0M | 4.5% |
| United States | $633K | 2.8% |
| Nigeria | $345K | 1.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $300K | 1.3% |
| India | $231K | 1% |
| China | $113K | 0.5% |
| Lithuania | $64K | 0.3% |
| Serbia | $45K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $178.02 per kg, 30% below the world average of $253.72, 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.
Parachutes imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported parachutes worth $3.0 million (19 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Most of the value came from France (39%), Turkey (19%), United States (17%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+247% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $1.2M | 39% |
| Turkey | $568K | 19% |
| United States | $507K | 17% |
| Taiwan | $147K | 4.9% |
| United Kingdom | $136K | 4.5% |
| Ukraine | $76K | 2.5% |
| Germany | $64K | 2.2% |
| South Korea | $56K | 1.9% |
| China | $55K | 1.8% |
| Vietnam | $32K | 1.1% |
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 8804: Parachutes (including dirigible parachutes and paragliders) and rotochutes; parts thereof and accessories thereto.
Common questions
What is the value of parachutes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported parachutes worth $22.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 127 tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 97 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was up 31% on 2023.
Which countries buy parachutes from South Africa?
France was the largest buyer with 77% of the value ($17.4 million), followed by Libya (10%) and the United Kingdom (4%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 30 buyer countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 497% on the year.
What is the average export price of parachutes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $178.02 per kg in 2024, 30% below the world average of $253.72 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 parachutes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $11.4 million in 2017 to $22.6 million in 2024, an increase of 99%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import parachutes?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, Turkey and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $19.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for parachutes?
The HS code for parachutes is heading 8804. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 8804.00. It sits in HS chapter 88 (aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8804 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.
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