Shoe soles and heels imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of shoe soles and heels by South Africa reached $3.6 million in 2024 (2.2 thousand tonnes). That is 21% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $7.7 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 | $3.6M | 2.2K t |
| 2023 | $2.9M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $5.7M | 2.6K t |
| 2021 | $7.7M | 3.9K t |
| 2020 | $6.4M | 4.3K t |
| 2019 | $5.4M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $3.6M | 2.1K t |
| 2017 | $2.8M | 1.7K t |
Where South Africa imports shoe soles and heels from
China alone supplied 69% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.5M | 69% |
| Italy | $761K | 21% |
| Vietnam | $75K | 2.1% |
| Portugal | $67K | 1.9% |
| France | $46K | 1.3% |
| Spain | $44K | 1.2% |
| Belgium | $28K | 0.8% |
| Lesotho | $23K | 0.7% |
| India | $17K | 0.5% |
| United States | $11K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.59 per kg, 79% below the world average of $7.72, 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.
Shoe soles and heels exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.6 million of shoe soles and heels in 2024 (970 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Lesotho accounted for 87% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+54% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $1.4M | 87% |
| Zambia | $166K | 10% |
| Namibia | $18K | 1.1% |
| Botswana | $10K | 0.7% |
| United States | $7K | 0.5% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 0.2% |
| Eswatini | $3K | 0.2% |
| Mali | $3K | 0.2% |
| Hong Kong | $2K | 0.1% |
| Mauritius | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa shoe soles and heels imports (HS 6406.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 6406.20: Footwear: parts, outer soles and heels, of rubber or plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of shoe soles and heels imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported shoe soles and heels worth $3.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 65th of 185 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply shoe soles and heels to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 69% of the value ($2.5 million), followed by Italy (21%) and Vietnam (2%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 622% on the year.
What is the average import price of shoe soles and heels per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.59 per kg in 2024, 79% below the world average of $7.72 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of shoe soles and heels to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.8 million in 2017 to $3.6 million in 2024, an increase of 27%. The peak was 2021 at $7.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export shoe soles and heels?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Zambia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for shoe soles and heels?
The HS code for shoe soles and heels is subheading 6406.20. It sits in HS chapter 64 (footwear; gaiters and the like; parts of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6406 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World shoe soles and heels trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.