Waterproof rubber footwear exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $11.3 million of waterproof rubber footwear in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $11.3M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $11.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $11.3M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $11.6M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $9.1M | 1.0K t |
| 2019 | $9.3M | 1.0K t |
| 2018 | $9.8M | 952 t |
| 2017 | $10.7M | 946 t |
Where South Africa exports waterproof rubber footwear to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (26%), Botswana (16%), Zambia (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+93% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $3.0M | 26% |
| Botswana | $1.8M | 16% |
| Zambia | $1.2M | 10% |
| Lesotho | $939K | 8.3% |
| Mozambique | $856K | 7.6% |
| Malawi | $612K | 5.4% |
| DR Congo | $386K | 3.4% |
| Eswatini | $359K | 3.2% |
| Namibia | $332K | 2.9% |
| Indonesia | $232K | 2.1% |
Product types under HS 6401
| 6401.92 | Footwear: waterproof, covering the ankle (but not the knee), rubber or plastic outer soles and uppers (not assembled by stitch, rivet, nail, screw… | 48% |
| 6401.10 | Footwear: waterproof with metal toe-cap, rubber or plastic outer soles and uppers (not assembled by stitch, rivet, nail, screw, plug or similar) | 38% |
| 6401.99 | Footwear: waterproof, n.e.c. in heading no. 6401, rubber or plastic outer soles and uppers (not assembled by stitch, rivet, nail, screw, plug or… | 14% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6401.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.60 per kg, close to the world average of $7.50.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Waterproof rubber footwear imports to South Africa
Imports of waterproof rubber footwear by South Africa reached $2.9 million in 2024 (732 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 64% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Malaysia grew fastest (+74% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.9M | 64% |
| Malaysia | $208K | 7.1% |
| Germany | $117K | 4% |
| Australia | $104K | 3.5% |
| Italy | $98K | 3.4% |
| Czech Republic | $85K | 2.9% |
| Bulgaria | $84K | 2.9% |
| Cambodia | $37K | 1.3% |
| Taiwan | $35K | 1.2% |
| Vietnam | $29K | 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 6401: Footwear; waterproof, with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics, (uppers not fixed to the sole nor assembled by stitch, rivet, nail, screw, plug or similar).
Common questions
What is the value of waterproof rubber footwear exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported waterproof rubber footwear worth $11.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 171 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries buy waterproof rubber footwear from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 26% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Botswana (16%) and Zambia (10%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 61 buyer countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 93% on the year.
What is the average export price of waterproof rubber footwear per kg?
The average declared export value was about $8.60 per kg in 2024, 15% above the world average of $7.50 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 exports of waterproof rubber footwear from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.7 million in 2017 to $11.3 million in 2024, an increase of 5%. The peak was 2021 at $11.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import waterproof rubber footwear?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Malaysia and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $8.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for waterproof rubber footwear?
The HS code for waterproof rubber footwear is heading 6401. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6401.92 (48% of the value) and 6401.10 (38%). It sits in HS chapter 64 (footwear; gaiters and the like; parts of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6401 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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