Toys and dolls imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of toys and dolls by South Africa reached $136.4 million in 2024 (19.0 thousand tonnes). That is 8% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $321.1 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 | $136.4M | 19.0K t |
| 2023 | $126.3M | 20.6K t |
| 2022 | $321.1M | 23.3K t |
| 2021 | $169.9M | 26.3K t |
| 2020 | $106.9M | 16.2K t |
| 2019 | $171.0M | 27.1K t |
| 2018 | $179.1M | 24.6K t |
| 2017 | $171.3M | 23.3K t |
Where South Africa imports toys and dolls from
China alone supplied 76% of it. Among the main suppliers, Czech Republic grew fastest (+82% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $103.0M | 76% |
| Czech Republic | $8.5M | 6.2% |
| Hungary | $4.1M | 3% |
| Vietnam | $3.2M | 2.4% |
| Indonesia | $2.5M | 1.9% |
| Thailand | $2.0M | 1.5% |
| United States | $2.0M | 1.5% |
| United Kingdom | $1.1M | 0.8% |
| India | $1.0M | 0.8% |
| Denmark | $915K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.19 per kg, 42% below the world average of $12.50, 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.
Toys and dolls exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $12.7 million of toys and dolls in 2024 (2.2 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (29%), Botswana (17%), Zambia (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+55% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $3.6M | 29% |
| Botswana | $2.1M | 17% |
| Zambia | $1.7M | 13% |
| Eswatini | $826K | 6.5% |
| Mozambique | $674K | 5.3% |
| Angola | $569K | 4.5% |
| United States | $384K | 3% |
| Lesotho | $381K | 3% |
| United Kingdom | $348K | 2.7% |
| Ghana | $266K | 2.1% |
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 9503: Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dolls' carriages; dolls; other toys; reduced-size (scale) models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds.
Common questions
What is the value of toys and dolls imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported toys and dolls worth $136.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 19.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 224 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply toys and dolls to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 76% of the value ($103.0 million), followed by the Czech Republic (6%) and Hungary (3%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 109 supplier countries in total. The Czech Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 82% on the year.
What is the average import price of toys and dolls per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.19 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $12.50 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 toys and dolls to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $171.3 million in 2017 to $136.4 million in 2024, a fall of 20%. The peak was 2022 at $321.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export toys and dolls?
Yes. South Africa exported $12.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $123.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for toys and dolls?
The HS code for toys and dolls is heading 9503. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 9503.00. It sits in HS chapter 95 (toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9503 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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