Upholstered metal chairs imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of upholstered metal chairs by South Africa reached $21.0 million in 2024 (8.4 thousand tonnes). Value rose 38% on 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 | $21.0M | 8.4K t |
| 2023 | $15.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $13.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $15.6M | 1.9K t |
| 2020 | $14.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $18.8M | 2.4K t |
| 2018 | $14.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $13.1M | 1.8K t |
Where South Africa imports upholstered metal chairs from
China alone supplied 78% of it. Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+780% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $16.4M | 78% |
| Italy | $1.1M | 5.2% |
| Netherlands | $831K | 4% |
| Germany | $518K | 2.5% |
| Poland | $478K | 2.3% |
| United States | $263K | 1.3% |
| Vietnam | $225K | 1.1% |
| Indonesia | $204K | 1% |
| Austria | $195K | 0.9% |
| Australia | $154K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.50 per kg, 63% below the world average of $6.74, 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.
Upholstered metal chairs exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $4.1 million of upholstered metal chairs in 2024 (411 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (31%), Zambia (21%), Botswana (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.3M | 31% |
| Zambia | $874K | 21% |
| Botswana | $462K | 11% |
| Kenya | $142K | 3.5% |
| Nigeria | $125K | 3.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $120K | 2.9% |
| Lesotho | $110K | 2.7% |
| Malawi | $103K | 2.5% |
| DR Congo | $91K | 2.2% |
| Tanzania | $89K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa upholstered metal chairs imports (HS 9401.71): 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 9401.71: Seats: with metal frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture).
Common questions
What is the value of upholstered metal chairs imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported upholstered metal chairs worth $21.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 56th of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 38% on 2023.
Which countries supply upholstered metal chairs to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 78% of the value ($16.4 million), followed by Italy (5%) and the Netherlands (4%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 48 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 780% on the year.
What is the average import price of upholstered metal chairs per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.50 per kg in 2024, 63% below the world average of $6.74 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of upholstered metal chairs to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.1 million in 2017 to $21.0 million in 2024, an increase of 61%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $15.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export upholstered metal chairs?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zambia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $16.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for upholstered metal chairs?
The HS code for upholstered metal chairs is subheading 9401.71. It sits in HS chapter 94 (furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, n.e.c.; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; prefabricated buildings). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9401 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
World upholstered metal chairs trade: top importers and exporters
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