Tanned hides and skins exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $7.0 million of tanned hides and skins in 2024 (76 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 3%. That is 5% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $13.0 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 | $7.0M | 76 t |
| 2023 | $7.4M | 70 t |
| 2022 | $10.8M | 131 t |
| 2021 | $8.9M | 257 t |
| 2020 | $3.6M | 21 t |
| 2019 | $8.3M | 54 t |
| 2018 | $13.0M | 221 t |
| 2017 | $11.4M | 184 t |
Where South Africa exports tanned hides and skins to
Italy alone took 57% of it. Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+39% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $4.0M | 57% |
| Mexico | $1.6M | 23% |
| Germany | $309K | 4.4% |
| France | $298K | 4.2% |
| Singapore | $263K | 3.7% |
| China | $165K | 2.4% |
| Spain | $126K | 1.8% |
| United States | $79K | 1.1% |
| Japan | $51K | 0.7% |
| Mauritius | $46K | 0.7% |
Product types under HS 4106
| 4106.92 | Tanned or crust hides and skins: of animals other than equine, ovine, bovine, goats or kids, swine and reptiles, without wool or hair on, whether or… | 72% |
| 4106.40 | Tanned or crust hides and skins: of reptiles, whether or not split, but not further prepared | 27% |
| 4106.91 | Tanned or crust hides and skins: of animals other than equine, ovine, bovine, goats or kids, swine and reptiles, without wool or hair on, whether or… | 0.8% |
| 4106.32 | Tanned or crust hides and skins: of swine, without hair on, whether or not split, but not further prepared, in the dry state (crust) | 0.1% |
| 4106.21 | Tanned or crust hides and skins: of goats or kids, without wool or hair on, whether or not split, but not further prepared, in the wet state… | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4106.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $92.36 per kg, 2262% above the world average of $3.91. 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.
Tanned hides and skins imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported tanned hides and skins worth $585 thousand (34 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+103% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $350K | 60% |
| Zimbabwe | $172K | 30% |
| Italy | $51K | 8.7% |
| Netherlands | $4K | 0.6% |
| Namibia | $3K | 0.5% |
| Norway | $2K | 0.3% |
| Spain | $1K | 0.2% |
| Hungary | $1K | 0.1% |
| Greenland | $1K | 0.1% |
| Canada | $0K | 0% |
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 4106: Tanned or crust hides and skins of other animals, without wool or hair on, whether or not split, but not further prepared.
Common questions
What is the value of tanned hides and skins exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported tanned hides and skins worth $7.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 76 tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 102 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries buy tanned hides and skins from South Africa?
Italy was the largest buyer with 57% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by Mexico (23%) and Germany (4%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 25 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 467% on the year.
What is the average export price of tanned hides and skins per kg?
The average declared export value was about $92.36 per kg in 2024, 2262% above the world average of $3.91 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 hides and skins from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $11.4 million in 2017 to $7.0 million in 2024, a fall of 38%. The peak was 2018 at $13.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import tanned hides and skins?
Yes. South Africa imported $585 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Zimbabwe and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $6.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for tanned hides and skins?
The HS code for tanned hides and skins is heading 4106. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4106.92 (72% of the value) and 4106.40 (27%). 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 4106 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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