Zipper imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of zipper by South Africa reached $3.6 million in 2024 (420 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 9% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $5.3 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 | $3.6M | 420 t |
| 2023 | $3.3M | 404 t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 299 t |
| 2021 | $5.3M | 264 t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 191 t |
| 2019 | $2.6M | 250 t |
| 2018 | $4.8M | 295 t |
| 2017 | $4.6M | 380 t |
Where South Africa imports zipper from
Eswatini alone supplied 90% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $3.2M | 90% |
| China | $305K | 8.5% |
| Lesotho | $21K | 0.6% |
| United States | $10K | 0.3% |
| Switzerland | $5K | 0.2% |
| Italy | $3K | 0.1% |
| Cambodia | $3K | 0.1% |
| Vietnam | $1K | 0% |
| Japan | $1K | 0% |
| Hong Kong | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.57 per kg, 44% below the world average of $15.30, 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.
Zipper exports from South Africa
Exports of zipper by South Africa reached $1.7 million in 2024 (389 tonnes). Lesotho alone took 69% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+305% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $1.2M | 69% |
| Zimbabwe | $182K | 11% |
| Madagascar | $99K | 5.7% |
| Mauritius | $73K | 4.3% |
| Kenya | $69K | 4% |
| Botswana | $41K | 2.4% |
| Namibia | $24K | 1.4% |
| Tanzania | $23K | 1.4% |
| Eswatini | $10K | 0.6% |
| Zambia | $7K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa zipper imports (HS 9607.11): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 9607.11: Slide fasteners: fitted with chain scoops of base metal.
Common questions
What is the value of zipper imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported zipper worth $3.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 420 tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 192 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply zipper to South Africa?
Eswatini was the largest supplier with 90% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by China (8%) and Lesotho (1%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 197% on the year.
What is the average import price of zipper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.57 per kg in 2024, 44% below the world average of $15.30 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of zipper to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.6 million in 2017 to $3.6 million in 2024, a fall of 22%. The peak was 2021 at $5.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export zipper?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Madagascar. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for zipper?
The HS code for zipper is subheading 9607.11. It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9607 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
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.