Sunglasses imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of sunglasses by South Africa reached $41.5 million in 2024 (770 tonnes). That is 8% more than in 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 | $41.5M | 770 t |
| 2023 | $38.3M | 152 t |
| 2022 | $38.7M | 154 t |
| 2021 | $35.9M | 141 t |
| 2020 | $22.3M | 106 t |
| 2019 | $36.4M | 184 t |
| 2018 | $40.4M | 218 t |
| 2017 | $41.7M | 212 t |
Where South Africa imports sunglasses from
The largest suppliers were China (44%), Italy (39%), United States (7%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $18.3M | 44% |
| Italy | $16.4M | 40% |
| United States | $3.0M | 7.2% |
| Japan | $925K | 2.2% |
| Thailand | $647K | 1.6% |
| Hong Kong | $350K | 0.8% |
| Germany | $348K | 0.8% |
| Taiwan | $330K | 0.8% |
| France | $304K | 0.7% |
| United Kingdom | $229K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $53.92 per kg, 55% below the world average of $118.69, 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.
Sunglasses exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported sunglasses worth $4.0 million (137 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (19%), Namibia (18%), United States (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+453% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $748K | 19% |
| Namibia | $737K | 18% |
| United States | $531K | 13% |
| Italy | $493K | 12% |
| Mozambique | $192K | 4.8% |
| Mauritius | $189K | 4.7% |
| Zambia | $150K | 3.7% |
| Eswatini | $142K | 3.5% |
| Switzerland | $123K | 3.1% |
| Lesotho | $101K | 2.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sunglasses imports (HS 9004.10): 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 9004.10: Sunglasses: corrective, protective or other.
Common questions
What is the value of sunglasses imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sunglasses worth $41.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 770 tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply sunglasses to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($18.3 million), followed by Italy (39%) and the United States (7%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 68 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 221% on the year.
What is the average import price of sunglasses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $53.92 per kg in 2024, 55% below the world average of $118.69 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of sunglasses to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $41.7 million in 2017 to $41.5 million in 2024, a fall of 1%. The peak was 2017 at $41.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $36.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export sunglasses?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $37.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for sunglasses?
The HS code for sunglasses is subheading 9004.10. It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9004 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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