Plastic sandals and flip-flops imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $19.4 million of plastic sandals and flip-flops in 2024 (3.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 12% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $25.1 million.
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 | $19.4M | 3.3K t |
| 2023 | $17.3M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $22.1M | 1.5K t |
| 2021 | $25.1M | 2.0K t |
| 2020 | $18.5M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $18.5M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $17.2M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $17.1M | 1.5K t |
Where South Africa imports plastic sandals and flip-flops from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 92% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $17.9M | 92% |
| Brazil | $1.3M | 6.5% |
| Indonesia | $91K | 0.5% |
| Vietnam | $73K | 0.4% |
| Namibia | $15K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $14K | 0.1% |
| Denmark | $10K | 0.1% |
| India | $9K | 0.1% |
| Bangladesh | $8K | 0% |
| United States | $7K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.94 per kg, close to the world average of $6.12.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Plastic sandals and flip-flops exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported plastic sandals and flip-flops worth $5.5 million (677 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (29%), Botswana (26%), Eswatini (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+58% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.6M | 29% |
| Botswana | $1.4M | 26% |
| Eswatini | $809K | 15% |
| Lesotho | $552K | 10% |
| Zambia | $276K | 5.1% |
| Angola | $257K | 4.7% |
| Kenya | $157K | 2.9% |
| Mozambique | $130K | 2.4% |
| Mauritius | $101K | 1.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $52K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic sandals and flip-flops imports (HS 6402.20): 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 6402.20: Footwear: with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics, upper straps or thongs assembled to the sole by plugs.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic sandals and flip-flops imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plastic sandals and flip-flops worth $19.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 212 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic sandals and flip-flops to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 92% of the value ($17.9 million), followed by Brazil (7%) and Indonesia (0%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 234% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic sandals and flip-flops per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.94 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $6.12 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of plastic sandals and flip-flops to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.1 million in 2017 to $19.4 million in 2024, an increase of 14%. The peak was 2021 at $25.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $19.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plastic sandals and flip-flops?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic sandals and flip-flops?
The HS code for plastic sandals and flip-flops is subheading 6402.20. It sits in HS chapter 64 (footwear; gaiters and the like; parts of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6402 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
World plastic sandals and flip-flops trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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.