Tanned cattle hides exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported tanned cattle hides worth $40.2 million (21.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $84.9 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $40.2M | 21.1K t |
| 2023 | $41.1M | 21.6K t |
| 2022 | $46.9M | 29.4K t |
| 2021 | $45.1M | 26.0K t |
| 2020 | $36.6M | 27.8K t |
| 2019 | $48.2M | 31.9K t |
| 2018 | $75.4M | 33.0K t |
| 2017 | $84.9M | 36.5K t |
Where South Africa exports tanned cattle hides to
Most of it went to China (27%), Vietnam (22%), Uruguay (17%). Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+128% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $11.0M | 27% |
| Vietnam | $8.7M | 22% |
| Uruguay | $6.8M | 17% |
| Italy | $4.0M | 9.9% |
| Mexico | $2.8M | 6.9% |
| India | $2.5M | 6.3% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 2.7% |
| Australia | $1.0M | 2.6% |
| Taiwan | $980K | 2.4% |
| Thailand | $346K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 4104
| 4104.11 | Tanned or crust hides and skins: without hair on, bovine or equine, in the wet state (including wet blue), full grains, unsplit: grain splits | 44% |
| 4104.19 | Tanned or crust hides and skins: bovine or equine, without hair on, in the wet state (including wet blue), excluding full grains, unsplit: grain… | 36% |
| 4104.41 | Tanned or crust hides and skins: bovine or equine, without hair on, in the dry state (crust), full grains, unsplit: grain splits | 19% |
| 4104.49 | Tanned or crust hides and skins: bovine or equine, without hair on, in the dry state (crust), (other than full grains, unsplit: grain splits) | 1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4104.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.91 per kg, close to the world average of $2.29.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Tanned cattle hides imports to South Africa
Imports of tanned cattle hides by South Africa reached $9.7 million in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Brazil accounted for 55% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $5.4M | 55% |
| Pakistan | $2.2M | 22% |
| India | $1.5M | 16% |
| Turkey | $252K | 2.6% |
| Namibia | $129K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $117K | 1.2% |
| Uruguay | $84K | 0.9% |
| Colombia | $24K | 0.2% |
| Zambia | $23K | 0.2% |
| Bangladesh | $13K | 0.1% |
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 4104: Tanned or crust hides and skins of bovine (including buffalo) or equine animals, without hair on, whether or not split, but not further prepared.
Common questions
What is the value of tanned cattle hides exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported tanned cattle hides worth $40.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 21.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 119 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy tanned cattle hides from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 27% of the value ($11.0 million), followed by Vietnam (22%) and Uruguay (17%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 35 buyer countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 128% on the year.
What is the average export price of tanned cattle hides per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.91 per kg in 2024, 17% below the world average of $2.29 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 exports of tanned cattle hides from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $84.9 million in 2017 to $40.2 million in 2024, a fall of 53%. The peak was 2017 at $84.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import tanned cattle hides?
Yes. South Africa imported $9.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Brazil, Pakistan and India. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $30.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for tanned cattle hides?
The HS code for tanned cattle hides is heading 4104. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4104.11 (44% of the value) and 4104.19 (36%). It sits in HS chapter 41 (raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4104 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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