Rubber clothing and gloves imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported rubber clothing and gloves worth $39.2 million (9.8 thousand tonnes). That is 19% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $93.8 million.
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 | $39.2M | 9.8K t |
| 2023 | $32.9M | 6.5K t |
| 2022 | $46.3M | 7.3K t |
| 2021 | $93.8M | 9.7K t |
| 2020 | $64.1M | 10.1K t |
| 2019 | $40.4M | 7.2K t |
| 2018 | $45.1M | 7.8K t |
| 2017 | $35.5M | 6.4K t |
Where South Africa imports rubber clothing and gloves from
Most of the value came from China (42%), Malaysia (38%), Thailand (10%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $16.5M | 42% |
| Malaysia | $14.8M | 38% |
| Thailand | $4.0M | 10% |
| Indonesia | $868K | 2.2% |
| India | $538K | 1.4% |
| Sri Lanka | $326K | 0.8% |
| Italy | $262K | 0.7% |
| Germany | $216K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $161K | 0.4% |
| France | $156K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 4015
| 4015.19 | Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gloves, mittens and mitts other than surgical gloves | 55% |
| 4015.11 | Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), surgical gloves | 41% |
| 4015.90 | Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), articles of apparel and clothing accessories (other than gloves, mittens and mitts) | 3.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4015.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.01 per kg, 25% below the world average of $5.38, 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.
Rubber clothing and gloves exports from South Africa
Exports of rubber clothing and gloves by South Africa reached $6.4 million in 2024 (776 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (28%), Botswana (19%), Mozambique (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Belgium grew fastest (+848% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.8M | 28% |
| Botswana | $1.2M | 19% |
| Mozambique | $513K | 8% |
| Eswatini | $477K | 7.5% |
| Zambia | $403K | 6.3% |
| Lesotho | $385K | 6% |
| Zimbabwe | $312K | 4.9% |
| DR Congo | $250K | 3.9% |
| Belgium | $152K | 2.4% |
| Angola | $138K | 2.2% |
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 4015: Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts), for all purposes, of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber.
Common questions
What is the value of rubber clothing and gloves imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported rubber clothing and gloves worth $39.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply rubber clothing and gloves to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 42% of the value ($16.5 million), followed by Malaysia (38%) and Thailand (10%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 71 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 128% on the year.
What is the average import price of rubber clothing and gloves per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.01 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $5.38 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 rubber clothing and gloves to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $35.5 million in 2017 to $39.2 million in 2024, an increase of 10%. The peak was 2021 at $93.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export rubber clothing and gloves?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $32.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for rubber clothing and gloves?
The HS code for rubber clothing and gloves is heading 4015. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4015.19 (55% of the value) and 4015.11 (41%). It sits in HS chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4015 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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