Sporting firearms (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of sporting firearms (other) by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (103 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value fell 7% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 29% 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 | $2.1M | 103 t |
| 2023 | $2.3M | 91 t |
| 2022 | $1.6M | 135 t |
| 2021 | $1.9M | 89 t |
| 2020 | $369K | 13 t |
| 2019 | $882K | 37 t |
| 2018 | $336K | 8 t |
| 2017 | $347K | 4 t |
Where South Africa imports sporting firearms (other) from
One supplier dominates: Turkey accounted for 87% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+168% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $1.8M | 87% |
| Germany | $188K | 8.9% |
| United States | $85K | 4% |
| Norway | $6K | 0.3% |
| Austria | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.58 per kg, 60% below the world average of $51.44, 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 (other) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported sporting firearms (other) worth $1.4 million (13 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 97% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+540% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.4M | 97% |
| Malawi | $13K | 0.9% |
| Mozambique | $9K | 0.6% |
| Taiwan | $9K | 0.6% |
| Angola | $6K | 0.4% |
| Zambia | $5K | 0.4% |
| Lesotho | $2K | 0.1% |
| Tanzania | $1K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Switzerland | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sporting firearms (other) imports (HS 9303.90): 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 9303.90: Firearms: n.e.c. in heading no. 9303.
Common questions
What is the value of sporting firearms (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sporting firearms (other) worth $2.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 103 tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 139 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply sporting firearms (other) to South Africa?
Turkey was the largest supplier with 87% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by Germany (9%) and the United States (4%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 5 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 168% on the year.
What is the average import price of sporting firearms (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $20.58 per kg in 2024, 60% below the world average of $51.44 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of sporting firearms (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $347 thousand in 2017 to $2.1 million in 2024, an increase of 509%. The peak was 2023 at $2.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export sporting firearms (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $684 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for sporting firearms (other)?
The HS code for sporting firearms (other) is subheading 9303.90. 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?
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.
Same product, other countries
World sporting firearms (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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