Waterproof steel-toe boots exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $4.2 million of waterproof steel-toe boots in 2024 (508 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. Value fell 18% 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 | $4.2M | 508 t |
| 2023 | $5.2M | 443 t |
| 2022 | $5.0M | 589 t |
| 2021 | $4.4M | 539 t |
| 2020 | $3.7M | 378 t |
| 2019 | $5.1M | 554 t |
| 2018 | $4.7M | 454 t |
| 2017 | $4.3M | 417 t |
Where South Africa exports waterproof steel-toe boots to
Most of it went to Zambia (19%), Zimbabwe (16%), Mozambique (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+103% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $795K | 19% |
| Zimbabwe | $667K | 16% |
| Mozambique | $454K | 11% |
| Malawi | $350K | 8.2% |
| Indonesia | $232K | 5.5% |
| Australia | $181K | 4.3% |
| Botswana | $174K | 4.1% |
| Tanzania | $166K | 3.9% |
| Singapore | $157K | 3.7% |
| Eswatini | $132K | 3.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.37 per kg, close to the world average of $8.56.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Waterproof steel-toe boots imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $411 thousand of waterproof steel-toe boots in 2024 (57 tonnes). Most of the value came from China (27%), Australia (23%), Malaysia (21%). Among the main suppliers, Malaysia grew fastest (+737% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $113K | 28% |
| Australia | $94K | 23% |
| Malaysia | $87K | 21% |
| Madagascar | $25K | 6% |
| Taiwan | $15K | 3.6% |
| Indonesia | $14K | 3.4% |
| Germany | $13K | 3.2% |
| Singapore | $12K | 3% |
| Hong Kong | $8K | 1.9% |
| United States | $6K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa waterproof steel-toe boots exports (HS 6401.10): 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 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).
Common questions
What is the value of waterproof steel-toe boots exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported waterproof steel-toe boots worth $4.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 508 tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 135 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was down 18% on 2023.
Which countries buy waterproof steel-toe boots from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 19% of the value ($795 thousand), followed by Zimbabwe (16%) and Mozambique (11%). The top three together account for 45%, out of 50 buyer countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 103% on the year.
What is the average export price of waterproof steel-toe boots per kg?
The average declared export value was about $8.37 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $8.56 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of waterproof steel-toe boots from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.3 million in 2017 to $4.2 million in 2024, a fall of 2%. The peak was 2023 at $5.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import waterproof steel-toe boots?
Yes. South Africa imported $411 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Australia and Malaysia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for waterproof steel-toe boots?
The HS code for waterproof steel-toe boots is subheading 6401.10. 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?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World waterproof steel-toe boots trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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