Razor blades imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported razor blades worth $27.8 million (1.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 36% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $27.8M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $20.3M | 740 t |
| 2022 | $24.5M | 939 t |
| 2021 | $20.3M | 736 t |
| 2020 | $16.4M | 569 t |
| 2019 | $27.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $24.9M | 974 t |
| 2017 | $25.5M | 958 t |
Where South Africa imports razor blades from
Most of the value came from Poland (31%), China (24%), Greece (11%). Among the main suppliers, Hong Kong grew fastest (+998% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | $8.6M | 31% |
| China | $6.6M | 24% |
| Greece | $3.0M | 11% |
| India | $2.5M | 9.1% |
| Germany | $2.4M | 8.6% |
| Hong Kong | $2.0M | 7.3% |
| France | $1.4M | 5.2% |
| Egypt | $535K | 1.9% |
| Vietnam | $359K | 1.3% |
| South Korea | $104K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 8212
| 8212.10 | Razors | 66% |
| 8212.20 | Razors: safety razor blades, including razor blade blanks in strips | 33% |
| 8212.90 | Razors: parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8212 | 0.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8212.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $22.17 per kg, close to the world average of $20.40.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Razor blades exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $26.5 million of razor blades in 2024 (645 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. One buyer market dominates: United Arab Emirates accounted for 79% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+399% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $21.0M | 79% |
| Namibia | $1.2M | 4.6% |
| Mozambique | $890K | 3.4% |
| Canada | $875K | 3.3% |
| Botswana | $768K | 2.9% |
| Zambia | $608K | 2.3% |
| Lesotho | $273K | 1% |
| Mauritius | $246K | 0.9% |
| Eswatini | $177K | 0.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $159K | 0.6% |
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 8212: Razors and razor blades; (including razor blade blanks in strips).
Common questions
What is the value of razor blades imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported razor blades worth $27.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 217 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 36% on 2023.
Which countries supply razor blades to South Africa?
Poland was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($8.6 million), followed by China (24%) and Greece (11%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 998% on the year.
What is the average import price of razor blades per kg?
The average declared import value was about $22.17 per kg in 2024, 9% above the world average of $20.40 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 razor blades to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $25.5 million in 2017 to $27.8 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export razor blades?
Yes. South Africa exported $26.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Arab Emirates, Namibia and Mozambique. That compares with imports of $27.8 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for razor blades?
The HS code for razor blades is heading 8212. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8212.10 (66% of the value) and 8212.20 (33%). It sits in HS chapter 82 (tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8212 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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