Raw sheep and lamb skins exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $26.4 million of raw sheep and lamb skins in 2024 (17.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 98 countries. Value rose 14% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $54.4 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 | $26.4M | 17.1K t |
| 2023 | $23.1M | 14.2K t |
| 2022 | $30.5M | 15.4K t |
| 2021 | $29.7M | 16.6K t |
| 2020 | $27.6M | 17.7K t |
| 2019 | $33.3M | 15.9K t |
| 2018 | $45.0M | 16.3K t |
| 2017 | $54.4M | 18.5K t |
Where South Africa exports raw sheep and lamb skins to
The largest buyer markets were China (39%), Italy (37%), Pakistan (7%). Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+265% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $10.2M | 39% |
| Italy | $9.8M | 37% |
| Pakistan | $1.9M | 7.3% |
| Turkey | $1.8M | 6.9% |
| India | $1.4M | 5.2% |
| El Salvador | $602K | 2.3% |
| Namibia | $328K | 1.2% |
| Vietnam | $169K | 0.6% |
| France | $115K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $37K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 4102
| 4102.10 | Skins: raw, of sheep or lambs, fresh, or salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, (but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further… | 49% |
| 4102.21 | Skins: raw, of sheep or lambs, pickled (but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further preserved), without wool on | 45% |
| 4102.29 | Hides and skins: raw, of animals n.e.c. in this chapter, fresh, salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, (but not tanned… | 6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4102.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.54 per kg, close to the world average of $1.47.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
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 4102: Raw skins of sheep or lambs (fresh, salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not further prepared), whether or not with wool on or split.
Common questions
What is the value of raw sheep and lamb skins exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported raw sheep and lamb skins worth $26.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 17.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 98 countries worldwide, with 6% of world exports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries buy raw sheep and lamb skins from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 39% of the value ($10.2 million), followed by Italy (37%) and Pakistan (7%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 289% on the year.
What is the average export price of raw sheep and lamb skins per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.54 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.47 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 sheep and lamb skins from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $54.4 million in 2017 to $26.4 million in 2024, a fall of 52%. The peak was 2017 at $54.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for raw sheep and lamb skins?
The HS code for raw sheep and lamb skins is heading 4102. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4102.10 (49% of the value) and 4102.21 (45%). 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 4102 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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