Steel needles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported steel needles worth $3.0 million (602 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 23% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $3.8 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 | $3.0M | 602 t |
| 2023 | $3.8M | 548 t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 461 t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 483 t |
| 2020 | $3.5M | 373 t |
| 2019 | $3.8M | 443 t |
| 2018 | $3.7M | 467 t |
| 2017 | $3.1M | 434 t |
Where South Africa imports steel needles from
The largest suppliers were Thailand (44%), China (36%), United States (7%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $1.3M | 44% |
| China | $1.1M | 36% |
| United States | $216K | 7.3% |
| Japan | $152K | 5.1% |
| Taiwan | $36K | 1.2% |
| India | $36K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $27K | 0.9% |
| Zambia | $20K | 0.7% |
| Malaysia | $18K | 0.6% |
| France | $15K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 7319
| 7319.40 | Safety pins and other pins: of iron or steel | 71% |
| 7319.90 | Sewing and knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles, for use in the hand, not elsewhere specified or… | 29% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7319.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.90 per kg, 50% below the world average of $9.85, 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.
Steel needles exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.2 million of steel needles in 2024 (156 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (41%), Namibia (9%), Botswana (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Madagascar grew fastest (+276% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $487K | 41% |
| Namibia | $106K | 9% |
| Botswana | $94K | 8% |
| Zambia | $88K | 7.4% |
| DR Congo | $71K | 6% |
| Eswatini | $69K | 5.9% |
| Lesotho | $51K | 4.4% |
| Madagascar | $45K | 3.8% |
| Mozambique | $41K | 3.4% |
| Nigeria | $33K | 2.8% |
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 7319: Sewing and knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles, for use in the hand, of iron or steel; safety pins and other pins of iron or steel, not elsewhere specified or included.
Common questions
What is the value of steel needles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported steel needles worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 602 tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 212 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply steel needles to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by China (36%) and the United States (7%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 51 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 19% on the year.
What is the average import price of steel needles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.90 per kg in 2024, 50% below the world average of $9.85 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 steel needles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.1 million in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, a fall of 6%. The peak was 2023 at $3.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export steel needles?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel needles?
The HS code for steel needles is heading 7319. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7319.40 (71% of the value) and 7319.90 (29%). It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7319 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.
Same product, other countries
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.