Rubber surgical gloves imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported rubber surgical gloves worth $16.1 million (5.2 thousand tonnes). That is 17% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $39.4 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 | $16.1M | 5.2K t |
| 2023 | $13.7M | 2.8K t |
| 2022 | $20.4M | 3.7K t |
| 2021 | $39.4M | 4.5K t |
| 2020 | $29.6M | 4.8K t |
| 2019 | $20.2M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $21.0M | 3.8K t |
| 2017 | $18.9M | 3.2K t |
Where South Africa imports rubber surgical gloves from
Malaysia alone supplied 56% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+53% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $9.0M | 56% |
| China | $3.6M | 22% |
| Thailand | $1.9M | 12% |
| Indonesia | $767K | 4.8% |
| India | $378K | 2.4% |
| Italy | $196K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $116K | 0.7% |
| United States | $110K | 0.7% |
| Germany | $60K | 0.4% |
| Namibia | $11K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.10 per kg, 44% below the world average of $5.55, 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 surgical gloves exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.8 million of rubber surgical gloves in 2024 (215 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (41%), Botswana (21%), Belgium (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+62% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $750K | 41% |
| Botswana | $379K | 21% |
| Belgium | $152K | 8.2% |
| Mozambique | $138K | 7.5% |
| Eswatini | $134K | 7.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $91K | 4.9% |
| Lesotho | $69K | 3.7% |
| Zambia | $31K | 1.7% |
| Mauritania | $18K | 1% |
| Ghana | $15K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa rubber surgical gloves imports (HS 4015.11): 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 4015.11: Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), surgical gloves.
Common questions
What is the value of rubber surgical gloves imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported rubber surgical gloves worth $16.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 214 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply rubber surgical gloves to South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest supplier with 56% of the value ($9.0 million), followed by China (22%) and Thailand (12%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 53% on the year.
What is the average import price of rubber surgical gloves per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.10 per kg in 2024, 44% below the world average of $5.55 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of rubber surgical gloves to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $18.9 million in 2017 to $16.1 million in 2024, a fall of 15%. The peak was 2021 at $39.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $22.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export rubber surgical gloves?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Belgium. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for rubber surgical gloves?
The HS code for rubber surgical gloves is subheading 4015.11. 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?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World rubber surgical gloves trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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