Tanned sheep leather exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of tanned sheep leather by South Africa reached $3.3 million in 2024 (257 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 25% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 24% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $4.4 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 | $3.3M | 257 t |
| 2023 | $4.4M | 190 t |
| 2022 | $72K | 26 t |
| 2021 | $49K | 4 t |
| 2020 | $149K | 55 t |
| 2019 | $2.6M | 73 t |
| 2018 | $73K | 47 t |
| 2017 | $736K | 142 t |
Where South Africa exports tanned sheep leather to
One buyer market dominates: France accounted for 88% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $2.9M | 88% |
| India | $205K | 6.3% |
| Brazil | $185K | 5.7% |
| China | $15K | 0.5% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 4105
| 4105.10 | Tanned or crust skins of sheep or lambs, without wool on, whether or not split, but not further prepared, in the wet state (including wet-blue) | 100% |
| 4105.30 | Tanned or crust skins: of sheep or lambs, without wool on, whether or not split, but not further prepared, in the dry state (crust) | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4105.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.72 per kg, 107% above the world average of $6.14. 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.
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 4105: Tanned or crust skins of sheep and lambs, without wool on, whether or not split, but not further prepared.
Common questions
What is the value of tanned sheep leather exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported tanned sheep leather worth $3.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 257 tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 100 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 25% on 2023.
Which countries buy tanned sheep leather from South Africa?
France was the largest buyer with 88% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by India (6%) and Brazil (6%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 6 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 158% on the year.
What is the average export price of tanned sheep leather per kg?
The average declared export value was about $12.72 per kg in 2024, 107% above the world average of $6.14 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 sheep leather from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $736 thousand in 2017 to $3.3 million in 2024, an increase of 343%. The peak was 2023 at $4.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for tanned sheep leather?
The HS code for tanned sheep leather is heading 4105. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4105.10 (100% of the value) and 4105.30 (0%). 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 4105 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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