Aircraft imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $471.8 million of aircraft in 2024 (132 tonnes). Value fell 19% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $868.6 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 | $471.8M | 132 t |
| 2023 | $580.3M | 680 t |
| 2022 | $437.0M | 674 t |
| 2021 | $331.3M | 472 t |
| 2020 | $228.1M | 381 t |
| 2019 | $868.6M | 1.3K t |
| 2018 | $460.9M | 670 t |
| 2017 | $757.1M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa imports aircraft from
One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 54% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Canada grew fastest (+318% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $254.0M | 54% |
| Canada | $87.0M | 18% |
| Ireland | $31.2M | 6.6% |
| France | $28.7M | 6.1% |
| Switzerland | $15.2M | 3.2% |
| Botswana | $14.3M | 3% |
| Czech Republic | $7.8M | 1.7% |
| Germany | $5.0M | 1.1% |
| China | $2.8M | 0.6% |
| Brazil | $2.7M | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 8802
| 8802.40 | Aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg | 59% |
| 8802.30 | Aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 2000kg but not exceeding 15,000kg | 24% |
| 8802.11 | Helicopters: of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg | 7.6% |
| 8802.20 | Aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg | 5.1% |
| 8802.12 | Helicopters: of an unladen weight exceeding 2000kg | 5.1% |
| 8802.60 | Spacecraft: (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8802.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3,571.52 per kg, 268% above the world average of $969.93. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Aircraft exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $170.9 million of aircraft in 2024 (302 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (35%), Ecuador (14%), Namibia (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+294% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $59.9M | 35% |
| Ecuador | $24.0M | 14% |
| Namibia | $9.6M | 5.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $9.1M | 5.4% |
| Israel | $6.3M | 3.7% |
| United States | $4.9M | 2.9% |
| Brazil | $4.7M | 2.8% |
| Nigeria | $3.8M | 2.3% |
| Iran | $3.7M | 2.2% |
| Kenya | $3.7M | 2.2% |
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 8802: Aircraft n.e.c. in heading no. 8801, except unmanned aircraft of heading 8806, (e.g. helicopters, aeroplanes); spacecraft (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles.
Common questions
What is the value of aircraft imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported aircraft worth $471.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 132 tonnes. That ranks it 50th of 183 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply aircraft to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 54% of the value ($254.0 million), followed by Canada (18%) and Ireland (7%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 49 supplier countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 318% on the year.
What is the average import price of aircraft per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3,571.52 per kg in 2024, 268% above the world average of $969.93 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 aircraft to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $757.1 million in 2017 to $471.8 million in 2024, a fall of 38%. The peak was 2019 at $868.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export aircraft?
Yes. South Africa exported $170.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Ecuador and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $300.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for aircraft?
The HS code for aircraft is heading 8802. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8802.40 (59% of the value) and 8802.30 (24%). It sits in HS chapter 88 (aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8802 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.
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