Small leather goods imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of small leather goods by South Africa reached $4.4 million in 2024 (477 tonnes). Value fell 18% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $10.1 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 | $4.4M | 477 t |
| 2023 | $5.3M | 955 t |
| 2022 | $5.2M | 650 t |
| 2021 | $5.3M | 586 t |
| 2020 | $2.9M | 678 t |
| 2019 | $10.1M | 504 t |
| 2018 | $6.4M | 377 t |
| 2017 | $5.6M | 367 t |
Where South Africa imports small leather goods from
The largest suppliers were China (36%), India (34%), Italy (9%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.6M | 36% |
| India | $1.5M | 34% |
| Italy | $402K | 9.2% |
| France | $321K | 7.3% |
| Germany | $118K | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $80K | 1.8% |
| Vietnam | $71K | 1.6% |
| Spain | $61K | 1.4% |
| Cambodia | $34K | 0.8% |
| Switzerland | $19K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.23 per kg, 92% below the world average of $110.26, 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.
Small leather goods exports from South Africa
Exports of small leather goods by South Africa reached $2.4 million in 2024 (147 tonnes). Most of it went to France (43%), Botswana (19%), Namibia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+450% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $1.0M | 43% |
| Botswana | $456K | 19% |
| Namibia | $254K | 11% |
| Eswatini | $134K | 5.6% |
| Italy | $82K | 3.5% |
| Germany | $71K | 3% |
| Mozambique | $64K | 2.7% |
| United Kingdom | $57K | 2.4% |
| Switzerland | $48K | 2% |
| Lesotho | $42K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa small leather goods imports (HS 4202.31): 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 4202.31: Cases and containers: of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, with outer surface of leather or of composition leather.
Common questions
What is the value of small leather goods imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported small leather goods worth $4.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 477 tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 210 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 18% on 2023.
Which countries supply small leather goods to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($1.6 million), followed by India (34%) and Italy (9%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 69 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 12% on the year.
What is the average import price of small leather goods per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.23 per kg in 2024, 92% below the world average of $110.26 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of small leather goods to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.6 million in 2017 to $4.4 million in 2024, a fall of 21%. The peak was 2019 at $10.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export small leather goods?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to France, Botswana 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 small leather goods?
The HS code for small leather goods is subheading 4202.31. It sits in HS chapter 42 (articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (other than silk-worm gut)). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4202 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 small leather goods 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.