Raw hides and skins imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported raw hides and skins worth $25.9 million (1.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 115 countries. That is 8% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 50% a year on average.
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 | $25.9M | 1.0K t |
| 2023 | $28.0M | 575 t |
| 2022 | $17.3M | 502 t |
| 2021 | $5.6M | 959 t |
| 2020 | $5.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $6.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2018 | $5.6M | 984 t |
| 2017 | $1.5M | 953 t |
Where South Africa imports raw hides and skins from
One supplier dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 96% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $25.0M | 96% |
| France | $256K | 1% |
| Botswana | $192K | 0.7% |
| Mozambique | $153K | 0.6% |
| Australia | $91K | 0.4% |
| Zambia | $72K | 0.3% |
| Eswatini | $61K | 0.2% |
| Italy | $50K | 0.2% |
| Tanzania | $44K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $19K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 4103
| 4103.20 | Hides and skins: raw, of reptiles (fresh or salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further… | 97% |
| 4103.90 | Hides and skins: raw, of animals n.e.c. in this chapter, fresh, salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, (but not tanned… | 2.9% |
| 4103.30 | Hides and skins: raw, of swine, (fresh or salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further… | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4103.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $24.78 per kg, 575% above the world average of $3.67. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Raw hides and skins exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $6.4 million of raw hides and skins in 2024 (187 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Italy (22%), Germany (16%), Japan (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Thailand grew fastest (+518% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $1.4M | 22% |
| Germany | $1.0M | 16% |
| Japan | $988K | 16% |
| United States | $687K | 11% |
| France | $686K | 11% |
| Singapore | $406K | 6.4% |
| South Korea | $370K | 5.8% |
| Thailand | $259K | 4.1% |
| Mexico | $144K | 2.3% |
| Vietnam | $112K | 1.8% |
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 4103: Raw hides and skins n.e.c in headings no. 4101, 4102; fresh, salted, dried, pickled or otherwise preserved, not further prepared, whether or not dehaired or split.
Common questions
What is the value of raw hides and skins imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported raw hides and skins worth $25.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 115 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply raw hides and skins to South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest supplier with 96% of the value ($25.0 million), followed by France (1%) and Botswana (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 244% on the year.
What is the average import price of raw hides and skins per kg?
The average declared import value was about $24.78 per kg in 2024, 575% above the world average of $3.67 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 imports of raw hides and skins to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.5 million in 2017 to $25.9 million in 2024. The peak was 2023 at $28.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export raw hides and skins?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Italy, Germany and Japan. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $19.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for raw hides and skins?
The HS code for raw hides and skins is heading 4103. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4103.20 (97% of the value) and 4103.90 (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 4103 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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