Vegetable carving material imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported vegetable carving material worth $8.1 million (855 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 5% more than in 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 | $8.1M | 855 t |
| 2023 | $7.7M | 648 t |
| 2022 | $7.5M | 281 t |
| 2021 | $9.4M | 339 t |
| 2020 | $6.4M | 273 t |
| 2019 | $5.6M | 204 t |
| 2018 | $6.3M | 253 t |
| 2017 | $6.6M | 209 t |
Where South Africa imports vegetable carving material from
The largest suppliers were India (44%), Vietnam (17%), China (15%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+59% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.6M | 44% |
| Vietnam | $1.4M | 17% |
| China | $1.2M | 15% |
| Belgium | $959K | 12% |
| South Korea | $824K | 10% |
| Germany | $30K | 0.4% |
| Lithuania | $29K | 0.4% |
| United States | $25K | 0.3% |
| Turkey | $12K | 0.1% |
| Pakistan | $7K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.50 per kg, 58% below the world average of $22.88, 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.
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
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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 9602: Vegetable, mineral carving material and articles of these materials, moulded or carved articles of wax, stearin, natural gums, resins or modelling pastes, worked unhardened gelatin (not heading no. 3503).
Common questions
What is the value of vegetable carving material imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported vegetable carving material worth $8.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 855 tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 187 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply vegetable carving material to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($3.6 million), followed by Vietnam (17%) and China (15%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 320% on the year.
What is the average import price of vegetable carving material per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.50 per kg in 2024, 58% below the world average of $22.88 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 vegetable carving material to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.6 million in 2017 to $8.1 million in 2024, an increase of 23%. The peak was 2021 at $9.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for vegetable carving material?
The HS code for vegetable carving material is heading 9602. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 9602.00. It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9602 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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