Spades imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported spades worth $2.2 million (795 tonnes). That is 14% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2020, at $4.4 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 | $2.2M | 795 t |
| 2023 | $2.5M | 875 t |
| 2022 | $900K | 599 t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $4.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $810K | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $889K | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $892K | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports spades from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 94% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.1M | 94% |
| India | $53K | 2.4% |
| Brazil | $17K | 0.8% |
| United States | $13K | 0.6% |
| Japan | $4K | 0.2% |
| France | $4K | 0.2% |
| Taiwan | $4K | 0.2% |
| Malaysia | $4K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $4K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $3K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.74 per kg, close to the world average of $2.82.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Spades exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported spades worth $1.8 million (406 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (21%), Botswana (17%), Eswatini (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+75% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $380K | 21% |
| Botswana | $305K | 17% |
| Eswatini | $258K | 14% |
| Zambia | $204K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $202K | 11% |
| Senegal | $147K | 8.1% |
| Lesotho | $135K | 7.5% |
| Malawi | $50K | 2.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $46K | 2.6% |
| DR Congo | $19K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa spades imports (HS 8201.10): 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 8201.10: Tools, hand: spades and shovels.
Common questions
What is the value of spades imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported spades worth $2.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 795 tonnes. That ranks it 53rd of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply spades to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 94% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by India (2%) and Brazil (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 174% on the year.
What is the average import price of spades per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.74 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.82 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of spades to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $892 thousand in 2017 to $2.2 million in 2024, an increase of 144%. The peak was 2020 at $4.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export spades?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $367 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for spades?
The HS code for spades is subheading 8201.10. It sits in HS chapter 82 (tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8201 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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