Smoking tobacco exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of smoking tobacco by South Africa reached $31.2 million in 2024 (5.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 27% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $66.6 million.
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 | $31.2M | 5.3K t |
| 2023 | $43.0M | 7.6K t |
| 2022 | $33.4M | 5.6K t |
| 2021 | $35.8M | 4.8K t |
| 2020 | $43.0M | 5.4K t |
| 2019 | $52.4M | 6.7K t |
| 2018 | $61.2M | 9.0K t |
| 2017 | $66.6M | 11.0K t |
Where South Africa exports smoking tobacco to
The largest buyer markets were Indonesia (34%), Republic of the Congo (26%), Lesotho (16%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $10.6M | 34% |
| Republic of the Congo | $8.2M | 26% |
| Lesotho | $4.9M | 16% |
| Namibia | $3.5M | 11% |
| China | $2.1M | 6.8% |
| Mozambique | $445K | 1.4% |
| Algeria | $326K | 1.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $306K | 1% |
| Thailand | $170K | 0.6% |
| Netherlands | $166K | 0.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.84 per kg, 58% below the world average of $13.85, 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.
Smoking tobacco imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported smoking tobacco worth $1.7 million (260 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Zimbabwe (35%), Netherlands (30%), Denmark (22%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $585K | 35% |
| Netherlands | $501K | 30% |
| Denmark | $371K | 22% |
| Germany | $178K | 11% |
| Zambia | $7K | 0.4% |
| United States | $7K | 0.4% |
| Indonesia | $2K | 0.1% |
| China | $1K | 0.1% |
| Thailand | $1K | 0.1% |
| Kenya | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa smoking tobacco exports (HS 2403.19): 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 2403.19: Tobacco: smoking, other than water pipe tobacco, whether or not containing tobacco substitutes in any proportion.
Common questions
What is the value of smoking tobacco exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported smoking tobacco worth $31.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 122 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 27% on 2023.
Which countries buy smoking tobacco from South Africa?
Indonesia was the largest buyer with 34% of the value ($10.6 million), followed by the Republic of the Congo (26%) and Lesotho (16%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 25 buyer countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 121% on the year.
What is the average export price of smoking tobacco per kg?
The average declared export value was about $5.84 per kg in 2024, 58% below the world average of $13.85 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of smoking tobacco from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $66.6 million in 2017 to $31.2 million in 2024, a fall of 53%. The peak was 2017 at $66.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $45.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also import smoking tobacco?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, the Netherlands and Denmark. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $29.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for smoking tobacco?
The HS code for smoking tobacco is subheading 2403.19. It sits in HS chapter 24 (tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes; products, whether or not containing nicotine, intended for inhalation without combustion; other nicotine containing products intended for the intake of nicotine into the human body). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2403 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.
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