Small arms ammunition imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported small arms ammunition worth $18.2 million (496 tonnes). That is 14% less than in 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 | $18.2M | 496 t |
| 2023 | $21.2M | 653 t |
| 2022 | $12.4M | 512 t |
| 2021 | $11.5M | 602 t |
| 2020 | $4.7M | 317 t |
| 2019 | $13.5M | 774 t |
| 2018 | $11.4M | 686 t |
| 2017 | $10.8M | 588 t |
Where South Africa imports small arms ammunition from
The largest suppliers were United States (47%), Czech Republic (15%), Sweden (12%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+498% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $8.6M | 47% |
| Czech Republic | $2.7M | 15% |
| Sweden | $2.2M | 12% |
| Turkey | $1.2M | 6.5% |
| Finland | $1.1M | 6% |
| Switzerland | $899K | 5% |
| Serbia | $865K | 4.8% |
| United Kingdom | $244K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $171K | 0.9% |
| Germany | $146K | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $36.65 per kg, 28% above the world average of $28.59. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Small arms ammunition exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported small arms ammunition worth $3.9 million (429 tonnes). United States alone took 58% of it. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+67% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.2M | 58% |
| Spain | $736K | 19% |
| Australia | $284K | 7.4% |
| Germany | $201K | 5.2% |
| New Zealand | $101K | 2.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $90K | 2.4% |
| Sweden | $89K | 2.3% |
| Thailand | $67K | 1.7% |
| Kenya | $32K | 0.8% |
| Zambia | $13K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa small arms ammunition imports (HS 9306.30): 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 9306.30: Ammunition: cartridges and parts thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 9306.
Common questions
What is the value of small arms ammunition imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported small arms ammunition worth $18.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 496 tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 185 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply small arms ammunition to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 47% of the value ($8.6 million), followed by the Czech Republic (15%) and Sweden (12%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 14 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 498% on the year.
What is the average import price of small arms ammunition per kg?
The average declared import value was about $36.65 per kg in 2024, 28% above the world average of $28.59 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of small arms ammunition to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.8 million in 2017 to $18.2 million in 2024, an increase of 68%. The peak was 2023 at $21.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export small arms ammunition?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Spain and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for small arms ammunition?
The HS code for small arms ammunition is subheading 9306.30. It sits in HS chapter 93 (arms and ammunition; parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9306 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World small arms ammunition trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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