Sporting firearms imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of sporting firearms by South Africa reached $23.3 million in 2024 (279 tonnes). That makes it the 10th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 178 countries. That is 47% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
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 | $23.3M | 279 t |
| 2023 | $15.8M | 199 t |
| 2022 | $12.3M | 192 t |
| 2021 | $14.8M | 153 t |
| 2020 | $4.5M | 34 t |
| 2019 | $10.7M | 99 t |
| 2018 | $12.3M | 73 t |
| 2017 | $12.5M | 76 t |
Where South Africa imports sporting firearms from
Most of the value came from United States (21%), Turkey (16%), Italy (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 49%. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+703% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $5.0M | 22% |
| Turkey | $3.7M | 16% |
| Italy | $2.7M | 12% |
| Finland | $2.4M | 10% |
| Brazil | $2.1M | 9% |
| United Kingdom | $1.7M | 7.4% |
| China | $1.6M | 6.7% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 5.5% |
| Czech Republic | $1.2M | 5.2% |
| Austria | $683K | 2.9% |
Product types under HS 9303
| 9303.30 | Firearms: sporting, hunting or target-shooting rifles n.e.c. in heading no. 9303 | 73% |
| 9303.20 | Firearms: sporting, hunting or target-shooting shotguns, including combination shotgun-rifles | 18% |
| 9303.90 | Firearms: n.e.c. in heading no. 9303 | 9.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9303.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $83.41 per kg, 43% below the world average of $146.93, 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.
Sporting firearms exports from South Africa
Exports of sporting firearms by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (22 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 86% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+361% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.8M | 86% |
| United States | $91K | 4.3% |
| Malawi | $41K | 1.9% |
| Namibia | $38K | 1.8% |
| United Kingdom | $28K | 1.3% |
| Zambia | $27K | 1.3% |
| Angola | $19K | 0.9% |
| Mozambique | $10K | 0.5% |
| Taiwan | $9K | 0.4% |
| Lesotho | $8K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 9303: Firearms; other similar devices (e.g. sporting shotguns and rifles, muzzle-loading firearms, very pistols, devices for firing flares or blank ammunition, captive bolt humane killers, line throwing guns).
Common questions
What is the value of sporting firearms imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sporting firearms worth $23.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 279 tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 178 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 47% on 2023.
Which countries supply sporting firearms to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($5.0 million), followed by Turkey (16%) and Italy (12%). The top three together account for 49%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 703% on the year.
What is the average import price of sporting firearms per kg?
The average declared import value was about $83.41 per kg in 2024, 43% below the world average of $146.93 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of sporting firearms to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.5 million in 2017 to $23.3 million in 2024, an increase of 86%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export sporting firearms?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the United States and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $21.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for sporting firearms?
The HS code for sporting firearms is heading 9303. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9303.30 (73% of the value) and 9303.20 (18%). It sits in HS chapter 93 (arms and ammunition; parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9303 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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