Raw cattle hides exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported raw cattle hides worth $19.3 million (31.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 15% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $27.7 million.
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 | $19.3M | 31.5K t |
| 2023 | $16.7M | 25.4K t |
| 2022 | $14.8M | 17.3K t |
| 2021 | $14.5M | 17.6K t |
| 2020 | $10.6M | 26.9K t |
| 2019 | $6.8M | 11.3K t |
| 2018 | $13.9M | 14.2K t |
| 2017 | $27.7M | 19.3K t |
Where South Africa exports raw cattle hides to
China alone took 69% of it. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+57% on the year before).
Product types under HS 4101
| 4101.50 | Hides and skins: raw, whole, of bovine or equine animals, of a weight per skin exceeding 16 kg | 96% |
| 4101.20 | Raw hides and skins: whole, unsplit, of bovine or equine animals, of a weight per skin not exceeding 8kg when simply dried, 10kg when dry-salted or… | 3.4% |
| 4101.90 | Hides and skins: other than whole, but including butts, bends and bellies, of bovine (including. buffalo) and equine animals, fresh, salted or… | 1.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4101.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.61 per kg, 36% below the world average of $0.96, 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.
Raw cattle hides imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $526 thousand of raw cattle hides in 2024 (2.7 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Tanzania (29%), Zimbabwe (22%), Zambia (19%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $151K | 29% |
| Zimbabwe | $117K | 22% |
| Zambia | $97K | 19% |
| Australia | $63K | 12% |
| Eswatini | $42K | 8% |
| United States | $24K | 4.6% |
| Italy | $16K | 3.1% |
| Namibia | $10K | 1.9% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 0.7% |
| Botswana | $2K | 0.3% |
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 4101: Raw hides and skins of bovine (including buffalo) or equine animals (fresh, salted, dried, limed, pickled, otherwise preserved but not tanned, parchment dressed or further prepared), whether or not dehaired or split.
Common questions
What is the value of raw cattle hides exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported raw cattle hides worth $19.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 31.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 144 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries buy raw cattle hides from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 69% of the value ($13.3 million), followed by Turkey (25%) and Italy (2%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 30 buyer countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 544% on the year.
What is the average export price of raw cattle hides per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.61 per kg in 2024, 36% below the world average of $0.96 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 raw cattle hides from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $27.7 million in 2017 to $19.3 million in 2024, a fall of 30%. The peak was 2017 at $27.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import raw cattle hides?
Yes. South Africa imported $526 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $18.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for raw cattle hides?
The HS code for raw cattle hides is heading 4101. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4101.50 (96% of the value) and 4101.20 (3%). It sits in HS chapter 41 (raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4101 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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