Specialty seats imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $14.9 million of specialty seats in 2024 (3.1 thousand tonnes). Value rose 12% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $29.4 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 | $14.9M | 3.1K t |
| 2023 | $13.4M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $15.9M | 1.8K t |
| 2021 | $19.3M | 2.3K t |
| 2020 | $17.4M | 2.2K t |
| 2019 | $21.7M | 3.0K t |
| 2018 | $29.4M | 4.1K t |
| 2017 | $28.7M | 4.1K t |
Where South Africa imports specialty seats from
China alone supplied 73% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $10.9M | 73% |
| Italy | $1.4M | 9.5% |
| Netherlands | $332K | 2.2% |
| Portugal | $292K | 2% |
| Japan | $287K | 1.9% |
| Turkey | $253K | 1.7% |
| France | $199K | 1.3% |
| Spain | $189K | 1.3% |
| Germany | $150K | 1% |
| Indonesia | $149K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.87 per kg, 26% below the world average of $6.59, 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.
Specialty seats exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $11.9 million of specialty seats in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (22%), Namibia (18%), Zimbabwe (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+183% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $2.6M | 22% |
| Namibia | $2.1M | 18% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.5M | 13% |
| Japan | $854K | 7.2% |
| Lesotho | $659K | 5.5% |
| Eswatini | $641K | 5.4% |
| Zambia | $531K | 4.5% |
| Mozambique | $338K | 2.8% |
| Australia | $297K | 2.5% |
| Tanzania | $267K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa specialty seats imports (HS 9401.80): 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 9401.80: Seats: n.e.c. in heading no. 9401, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture).
Common questions
What is the value of specialty seats imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported specialty seats worth $14.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply specialty seats to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 73% of the value ($10.9 million), followed by Italy (10%) and the Netherlands (2%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 60 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 90% on the year.
What is the average import price of specialty seats per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.87 per kg in 2024, 26% below the world average of $6.59 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of specialty seats to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $28.7 million in 2017 to $14.9 million in 2024, a fall of 48%. The peak was 2018 at $29.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $20.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export specialty seats?
Yes. South Africa exported $11.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for specialty seats?
The HS code for specialty seats is subheading 9401.80. It sits in HS chapter 94 (furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, n.e.c.; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; prefabricated buildings). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9401 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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