Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins in South Africa grew from 124 thousand tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 126.4 thousand tonnes in 2019, before dropping sharply to 106.2 thousand tonnes in 2020. This decline was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, which disrupted global economic stability and suppressed demand across the leather value chain. Earlier in the period, the entry of new players in the form of local tanneries processing hides for export had begun to reshape the production landscape.

A partial recovery to 118.7 thousand tonnes occurred in 2021 as pandemic restrictions eased. However, the market volume resumed its downward trend, falling to 113 thousand tonnes in 2022 and 105.5 thousand tonnes in 2023. This sustained contraction was influenced by persistent consumer preference shifts, especially among younger buyers, towards vegan and non-leather footwear and goods. Simultaneously, the market continued to be shaped by major players like the Cape Produce Company, the largest tannery in Southern Africa, which focused on growth and innovation.

Efforts to develop the informal sector and emphasize value addition through local processing were highlighted in 2022 as strategies to boost the industry's value and create jobs. Despite these initiatives, they did not offset the broader decline in domestic consumption for traditional leather hides during the observed period.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, South Africa ranked 11th globally in the production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins.

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2018-2021

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 132.1 thousand tonnes, marking a slight increase of 1.1% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 8 347 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 26 113 tonnes, with the peak being 3.1 times higher than the trough. In 2021, South Africa's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins totaled 16 219 tonnes, representing a sharp decline of 37.9% compared to 2020. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a jump of 212.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, China, Brazil, and Italy were the key partners for South Africa's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in volume terms. China accounted for 53.9% of exports, Brazil for 14.3%, and Italy for 11.8%, together making up 80.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export values bottomed in 2019 at 3 637 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2021 at 14 230 thousand US dollars, with the peak being 3.9 times higher than the trough. In 2021, South Africa's exports amounted to 14 230 thousand US dollars, showing a 37.0% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 52.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a rise of 185.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018–2021 period, China, Italy, and Brazil remained the leading destinations for South Africa's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in value terms. China held a 47.3% share, Italy 17.8%, and Brazil 14.8%, collectively accounting for 79.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, South Africa's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins increased. In 2021, imports totaled 2 778 tonnes, showing a sharp gain of 65.0% compared to 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports decreased by 59.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -26.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 684 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2020 with a drop of 63.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Botswana, Argentina, and Namibia accounted for the largest share of South Africa's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in volume terms. Botswana represented 56.9% of imports, Argentina 8.3%, and Namibia 7.1%, together comprising 72.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with the peak being 5.3 times higher than the trough. In 2021, South Africa's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins amounted to 803 thousand US dollars, representing a 25.2% improvement year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 641 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2020 with a decrease of 80.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Botswana, Australia, and Argentina were the main markets for South Africa's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in value terms. Botswana accounted for 29.1% of imports, Australia for 26.0%, and Argentina for 15.2%, together making up 70.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021