Sports equipment imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $152.4 million of sports equipment in 2024 (23.4 thousand tonnes). Value rose 21% 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 | $152.4M | 23.4K t |
| 2023 | $126.4M | 15.3K t |
| 2022 | $142.8M | 16.7K t |
| 2021 | $156.6M | 28.9K t |
| 2020 | $106.1M | 20.4K t |
| 2019 | $127.8M | 16.9K t |
| 2018 | $144.4M | 19.3K t |
| 2017 | $122.2M | 16.8K t |
Where South Africa imports sports equipment from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 53% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+46% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $80.2M | 53% |
| India | $10.9M | 7.2% |
| Italy | $9.1M | 6% |
| United Kingdom | $7.3M | 4.8% |
| United States | $5.9M | 3.9% |
| Pakistan | $5.6M | 3.7% |
| Vietnam | $5.4M | 3.5% |
| Thailand | $4.5M | 2.9% |
| Taiwan | $4.0M | 2.6% |
| Spain | $3.1M | 2% |
Product types under HS 9506
| 9506.91 | Athletics and gymnastics equipment | 34% |
| 9506.99 | Equipment for outdoor games and recreation n.e.c. in heading no. 9506 | 23% |
| 9506.31 | Golf clubs: complete | 11% |
| 9506.62 | Balls: inflatable | 8% |
| 9506.29 | Water sport equipment: water-skis, surf-boards and other water-sport equipment, excluding sailboards | 4.1% |
| 9506.32 | Golf balls | 4% |
| 9506.39 | Golf equipment: other than clubs and balls | 4% |
| 9506.59 | Tennis, badminton and similar racquets: whether or not strung | 3.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9506.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.52 per kg, 25% below the world average of $8.67, 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.
Sports equipment exports from South Africa
Exports of sports equipment by South Africa reached $28.7 million in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United States (20%), Namibia (11%), Botswana (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 39%. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+95% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $5.7M | 20% |
| Namibia | $3.3M | 11% |
| Botswana | $2.4M | 8.3% |
| Zambia | $1.4M | 4.9% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 4.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 4.7% |
| Australia | $1.3M | 4.6% |
| Mozambique | $1.3M | 4.5% |
| DR Congo | $844K | 2.9% |
| Eswatini | $740K | 2.6% |
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 9506: Gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table tennis) or outdoor games equipment, n.e.c. in this chapter, swimming pools and paddling pools.
Common questions
What is the value of sports equipment imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sports equipment worth $152.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 23.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 226 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply sports equipment to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 53% of the value ($80.2 million), followed by India (7%) and Italy (6%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 109 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 94% on the year.
What is the average import price of sports equipment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.52 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $8.67 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 sports equipment to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $122.2 million in 2017 to $152.4 million in 2024, an increase of 25%. The peak was 2021 at $156.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export sports equipment?
Yes. South Africa exported $28.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $123.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for sports equipment?
The HS code for sports equipment is heading 9506. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9506.91 (34% of the value) and 9506.99 (23%). 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?
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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