Sanitary products exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported sanitary products worth $125.4 million (35.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 9% on 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 | $125.4M | 35.6K t |
| 2023 | $115.5M | 35.6K t |
| 2022 | $117.1M | 34.0K t |
| 2021 | $110.9M | 34.0K t |
| 2020 | $87.6M | 29.4K t |
| 2019 | $84.4M | 24.3K t |
| 2018 | $91.6M | 26.2K t |
| 2017 | $89.5M | 25.8K t |
Where South Africa exports sanitary products to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (33%), Namibia (16%), Botswana (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+75% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $41.2M | 33% |
| Namibia | $20.2M | 16% |
| Botswana | $18.8M | 15% |
| Mozambique | $11.3M | 9% |
| Eswatini | $7.9M | 6.3% |
| Lesotho | $7.0M | 5.6% |
| Zambia | $5.4M | 4.4% |
| Malawi | $4.9M | 3.9% |
| United Kingdom | $2.1M | 1.6% |
| DR Congo | $1.5M | 1.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.52 per kg, close to the world average of $4.17.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Sanitary products imports to South Africa
Imports of sanitary products by South Africa reached $120.0 million in 2024 (34.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. China alone supplied 53% of it. Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+42% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $63.7M | 53% |
| Czech Republic | $10.7M | 8.9% |
| Belgium | $8.7M | 7.2% |
| Hungary | $7.2M | 6% |
| Germany | $5.7M | 4.7% |
| Spain | $5.5M | 4.6% |
| Italy | $2.9M | 2.4% |
| France | $2.3M | 1.9% |
| Mozambique | $2.3M | 1.9% |
| Malaysia | $1.9M | 1.6% |
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 9619: Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any material.
Common questions
What is the value of sanitary products exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported sanitary products worth $125.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 35.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 179 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries buy sanitary products from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 33% of the value ($41.2 million), followed by Namibia (16%) and Botswana (15%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 70 buyer countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 86% on the year.
What is the average export price of sanitary products per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.52 per kg in 2024, 16% below the world average of $4.17 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 sanitary products from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $89.5 million in 2017 to $125.4 million in 2024, an increase of 40%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import sanitary products?
Yes. South Africa imported $120.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the Czech Republic and Belgium. That compares with exports of $125.4 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for sanitary products?
The HS code for sanitary products is heading 9619. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 9619.00. It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9619 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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