Air compressor imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of air compressor by South Africa reached $447.4 million in 2024 (52.2 thousand tonnes). That is 34% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $447.4M | 52.2K t |
| 2023 | $334.9M | 17.4K t |
| 2022 | $330.3M | 19.4K t |
| 2021 | $343.8M | 22.7K t |
| 2020 | $263.8M | 18.1K t |
| 2019 | $326.2M | 22.3K t |
| 2018 | $314.5M | 19.2K t |
| 2017 | $318.3M | 21.7K t |
Where South Africa imports air compressor from
The largest suppliers were China (31%), Germany (28%), United States (6%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+122% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $138.6M | 31% |
| Germany | $125.6M | 28% |
| United States | $25.0M | 5.6% |
| Italy | $19.4M | 4.3% |
| India | $18.3M | 4.1% |
| Belgium | $14.0M | 3.1% |
| Thailand | $13.0M | 2.9% |
| Japan | $9.5M | 2.1% |
| France | $9.5M | 2.1% |
| United Kingdom | $7.8M | 1.8% |
Product types under HS 8414
| 8414.80 | Pumps and compressors: for air, vacuum or gas, n.e.c. in heading no. 8414 | 35% |
| 8414.30 | Compressors: of a kind used in refrigerating equipment | 25% |
| 8414.90 | Pumps and compressors: parts, of air or vacuum pumps, air or other gas compressors and fans, ventilating or recycling hoods incorporating a fan | 13% |
| 8414.59 | Fans: n.e.c. in item no. 8414.51 | 13% |
| 8414.51 | Fans: table, floor, wall, window, ceiling or roof fans, with a self-contained electric motor of an output not exceeding 125W | 5.8% |
| 8414.40 | Compressors: air compressors mounted on a wheeled chassis for towing | 4.1% |
| 8414.10 | Pumps: vacuum | 2.8% |
| 8414.60 | Hoods: ventilating or recycling hoods incorporating a fan, whether or not fitted with filters, having a maximum horizontal side not exceeding 120cm | 1.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8414.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.57 per kg, 37% below the world average of $13.71, 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.
Air compressor exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported air compressor worth $98.9 million (6.0 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to DR Congo (15%), Zimbabwe (11%), Namibia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 36%. Among the main buyer markets, Senegal grew fastest (+838% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $14.7M | 15% |
| Zimbabwe | $11.0M | 11% |
| Namibia | $9.5M | 9.6% |
| Botswana | $9.2M | 9.3% |
| Zambia | $8.2M | 8.3% |
| Mozambique | $7.9M | 8% |
| Eswatini | $3.3M | 3.4% |
| Angola | $3.2M | 3.3% |
| Liberia | $3.1M | 3.1% |
| Senegal | $2.8M | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 8414: Air or vacuum pumps, air or other gas compressors and fans; ventilating or recycling hoods incorporating a fan; gas-tight biological safety cabinets whether or not fitted with filters.
Common questions
What is the value of air compressor imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported air compressor worth $447.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 52.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 226 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 34% on 2023.
Which countries supply air compressor to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($138.6 million), followed by Germany (28%) and the United States (6%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 104 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 122% on the year.
What is the average import price of air compressor per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.57 per kg in 2024, 37% below the world average of $13.71 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of air compressor to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $318.3 million in 2017 to $447.4 million in 2024, an increase of 41%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export air compressor?
Yes. South Africa exported $98.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $348.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for air compressor?
The HS code for air compressor is heading 8414. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8414.80 (35% of the value) and 8414.30 (25%). It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8414 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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.