Sports ball imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $5.7 million of sports ball in 2024 (321 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 40% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $5.7M | 321 t |
| 2023 | $4.1M | 329 t |
| 2022 | $3.7M | 288 t |
| 2021 | $3.1M | 269 t |
| 2020 | $2.1M | 176 t |
| 2019 | $4.1M | 335 t |
| 2018 | $4.3M | 394 t |
| 2017 | $4.6M | 386 t |
Where South Africa imports sports ball from
The largest suppliers were India (37%), China (24%), Pakistan (13%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+260% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.1M | 37% |
| China | $1.4M | 24% |
| Pakistan | $733K | 13% |
| Australia | $584K | 10% |
| United Kingdom | $491K | 8.6% |
| Thailand | $183K | 3.2% |
| Germany | $39K | 0.7% |
| Taiwan | $36K | 0.6% |
| Philippines | $34K | 0.6% |
| United States | $19K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $17.74 per kg, 64% above the world average of $10.79. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Sports ball exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported sports ball worth $870 thousand (55 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (39%), Namibia (28%), Eswatini (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+231% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $336K | 39% |
| Namibia | $247K | 28% |
| Eswatini | $83K | 9.5% |
| Malawi | $47K | 5.3% |
| Lesotho | $40K | 4.6% |
| Zambia | $37K | 4.2% |
| Mozambique | $13K | 1.5% |
| Kenya | $13K | 1.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $11K | 1.2% |
| Rwanda | $11K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sports ball imports (HS 9506.69): 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 9506.69: Balls: (other than inflatable or for lawn-tennis, golf or table-tennis).
Common questions
What is the value of sports ball imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sports ball worth $5.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 321 tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 210 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 40% on 2023.
Which countries supply sports ball to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by China (24%) and Pakistan (13%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 48 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 260% on the year.
What is the average import price of sports ball per kg?
The average declared import value was about $17.74 per kg in 2024, 64% above the world average of $10.79 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of sports ball to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.6 million in 2017 to $5.7 million in 2024, an increase of 24%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export sports ball?
Yes. South Africa exported $870 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for sports ball?
The HS code for sports ball is subheading 9506.69. It sits in HS chapter 95 (toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9506 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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