Every day, thousands of containers packed with used shoes in bales leave sorting factories in China, South Korea, and Japan — and a large share of them are heading straight to Africa. From Mombasa to Lagos, from Dar es Salaam to Accra, second hand footwear is one of the most profitable import businesses on the continent.
But if you’ve never done this before, the process can feel overwhelming. What grades should you buy? How do bales get packed? What do you need to clear customs?
This guide breaks it all down — step by step — so you can start importing used shoes in bales to Africa with confidence.
What Are Used Shoes in Bales?
Used shoes in bales are second-hand footwear that has been sorted, compressed, and tightly packed into large bundles for bulk export. Each bale typically contains 25 kg of shoes, depending on the supplier and shoe category inside.
The shoes in a bale are usually:
- Sorted by type: men’s, women’s, children’s, sports, casual, or formal
- Graded by quality: Grade A, Grade B
- Packed by pair count or weight per bale
This format makes transportation more efficient and cost-effective — which is why bales are the global standard for wholesale second hand shoe exports.
Why Africa Is the Biggest Market for Used Shoes
Africa is the world’s largest importer of used footwear, and demand keeps rising. Here’s why this market is so strong:
1.Massive, young population. Over 1.4 billion people live in Africa, with more than 60% under age 25. Demand for affordable daily footwear is enormous.
2.Thriving informal retail. Markets like Gikomba in Nairobi, Kantamanto in Accra, and Balogun in Lagos have thousands of traders who depend on imported used shoe bales to stock their stalls.
3.Growing urban middle class. In Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania, rising incomes are creating new demand for branded, good-condition used footwear.
Top importing countries include Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Mozambique, and Zambia — making sub-Saharan Africa a goldmine for this trade.
Step-by-Step: How to Import Used Shoes in Bales to Africa
Step 1 — Find a Reliable Supplier
Start with a verified manufacturer or direct exporter, ideally based in China, which is the world’s largest processor of used shoes in bales. Look for factories with ISO certifications, large-scale sorting facilities, clear grading standards, and experience shipping to African ports.
Step 2 — Understand Grading Standards
Grading is everything in this business. Always confirm with your supplier what their grading criteria are:
- Grade A: Near-new condition, minimal wear, clean uppers and soles
- Grade B: Visible signs of use, still fully wearable, sold at lower prices
Request sample photos or videos before committing to a full container.
Step 3— Confirm Packaging and Container Spaces
Standard bale sizes are 25 kg. A 40-foot container typically holds 16 to 24 metric tons of goods depending on compression and shoe type. Confirm the exact bale count, total weight, and number of pairs before shipment.
Step 4— Manage Logistics and Customs
Work with a freight forwarder who has experience on Africa trade routes. Key destination ports include:
- Mombasa — for Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
- Lagos (Apapa/Tin Can) — for Nigeria and West Africa
- Durban — for South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia
- Dar es Salaam — for Tanzania, Malawi, DR Congo
Check import duties for your specific country before finalizing your order — tariffs can significantly affect your landed cost and profit margin.
Step 5— Sell and Scale
Once your container arrives and clears customs, you can distribute through:
- Wholesale to local traders — the fastest way to move large volumes
- Your own market stall — higher margins, direct customer relationships
- Online platforms — Jiji, OLX Africa, WhatsApp Business, or your own e-commerce site
What to Ask Your Supplier Before Ordering
Before placing any order, confirm the following with your supplier:
- What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
- Can I get pre-shipment photos or a video inspection?
- What is the average number of pairs per kilogram?
- Do you offer custom packaging or labeling?
- What are your payment terms?
- Have you exported to my destination country before?
A trustworthy supplier will answer all of these without hesitation.
Start Your Import Journey Today
Importing used shoes in bales to Africa is a proven, high-margin business — but your success depends on choosing the right partner. We are a factory-direct used shoes exporter with years of experience supplying wholesale buyers across Africa. We offer Grade A and Grade B options, flexible bale sizes, and end-to-end export support from China to your port.
Contact us today for a free wholesale price list and sample catalog. Your first container could be on its way within 30 days.
