South Africa: Sailboat Market 2025

Sailboat Market Size in South Africa

For the third year in a row, the South African sailboat market recorded decline in sales value, which decreased by -24.2% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption recorded a abrupt decrease. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Sailboat Production in South Africa

In value terms, sailboat production totaled $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production enjoyed a tangible increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 77% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Sailboat Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, sailboat exports from South Africa skyrocketed to X units, rising by 57% on the previous year's figure. In general, exports continue to indicate a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 135%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X units. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sailboat exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, total exports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The United States (X units), Denmark (X units) and British Virgin Islands (X units) were the main destinations of sailboat exports from South Africa, with a combined 69% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Denmark (with a CAGR of +115.0%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for sailboats for pleasure or sports, with or without auxiliary motor exports from South Africa, comprising 51% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by British Virgin Islands ($X), with a 14% share of total exports. It was followed by France, with an 8.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States totaled +9.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: British Virgin Islands (+31.2% per year) and France (+8.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average sailboat export price stood at $X per unit in 2021, surging by 4.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the average export price increased by 85% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per unit in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per unit), while the average price for exports to Denmark ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Bermuda (+1,214.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sailboat Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of sailboats for pleasure or sports, with or without auxiliary motor, when their volume decreased by -6.1% to X units. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 147% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X units in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sailboat imports expanded significantly to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, saw a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 354%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X units) constituted the largest supplier of sailboat to South Africa, accounting for a 52% share of total imports. Moreover, sailboat imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the UK (X units), twofold. The third position in this ranking was held by the Netherlands (X units), with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from China amounted to +13.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the UK (+2.5% per year) and the Netherlands (-19.2% per year).

In value terms, Poland ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sailboats for pleasure or sports, with or without auxiliary motor to South Africa, comprising 67% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by China ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 6.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Poland totaled +85.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+10.4% per year) and France (-14.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sailboat import price amounted to $X per unit, growing by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price posted a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average import price increased by 122%. The import price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Poland ($X per unit), while the price for the UK ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Sweden (+362.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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