Raw reptile hides exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $5.0 million of raw reptile hides in 2024 (75 tonnes). It ranks 9th of 47 countries for exports of this product. That is 11% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $5.0M | 75 t |
| 2023 | $5.7M | 102 t |
| 2022 | $6.1M | 117 t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 93 t |
| 2020 | $3.0M | 72 t |
| 2019 | $4.0M | 82 t |
| 2018 | $4.9M | 95 t |
| 2017 | $5.0M | 64 t |
Where South Africa exports raw reptile hides to
Most of it went to Italy (27%), Japan (20%), Germany (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Thailand grew fastest (+518% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $1.4M | 27% |
| Japan | $988K | 20% |
| Germany | $846K | 17% |
| France | $572K | 11% |
| Singapore | $406K | 8.1% |
| South Korea | $370K | 7.4% |
| Thailand | $259K | 5.2% |
| Vietnam | $111K | 2.2% |
| Mexico | $83K | 1.7% |
| Indonesia | $9K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $67.26 per kg, 61% below the world average of $170.66, 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 reptile hides imports to South Africa
Imports of raw reptile hides by South Africa reached $25.2 million in 2024 (128 tonnes). It ranks 5th of 53 countries for imports of this product. One supplier dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 99% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $24.9M | 99% |
| Botswana | $192K | 0.8% |
| Italy | $26K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $11K | 0.1% |
| Mauritius | $3K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa raw reptile hides exports (HS 4103.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 4103.20: Hides and skins: raw, of reptiles (fresh or salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further prepared), whether or not dehaired or split.
Common questions
What is the value of raw reptile hides exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported raw reptile hides worth $5.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 75 tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 47 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries buy raw reptile hides from South Africa?
Italy was the largest buyer with 27% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by Japan (20%) and Germany (17%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 14 buyer countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 518% on the year.
What is the average export price of raw reptile hides per kg?
The average declared export value was about $67.26 per kg in 2024, 61% below the world average of $170.66 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of raw reptile hides from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $5.0 million in 2017 to $5.0 million in 2024, an increase of 1%. The peak was 2022 at $6.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import raw reptile hides?
Yes. South Africa imported $25.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, Botswana and Italy. That compares with exports of $5.0 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for raw reptile hides?
The HS code for raw reptile hides is subheading 4103.20. 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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