Alternative chemistry batteries imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of alternative chemistry batteries by South Africa reached $16.2 million in 2024 (986 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 28% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $29.4 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 | $16.2M | 987 t |
| 2023 | $22.6M | 687 t |
| 2022 | $18.7M | 883 t |
| 2021 | $15.4M | 554 t |
| 2020 | $12.0M | 476 t |
| 2019 | $21.4M | 339 t |
| 2018 | $25.9M | 823 t |
| 2017 | $29.4M | 1.3K t |
Where South Africa imports alternative chemistry batteries from
China alone supplied 84% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $13.6M | 84% |
| United States | $735K | 4.5% |
| Switzerland | $583K | 3.6% |
| Philippines | $257K | 1.6% |
| Italy | $177K | 1.1% |
| Taiwan | $127K | 0.8% |
| Germany | $103K | 0.6% |
| Hong Kong | $99K | 0.6% |
| Turkey | $94K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $74K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $16.46 per kg, 48% above the world average of $11.10. 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.
Alternative chemistry batteries exports from South Africa
Exports of alternative chemistry batteries by South Africa reached $12.8 million in 2024 (603 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Namibia (30%), Zambia (18%), Botswana (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+608% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $3.9M | 30% |
| Zambia | $2.3M | 18% |
| Botswana | $1.5M | 12% |
| Kenya | $932K | 7.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $833K | 6.5% |
| Mozambique | $780K | 6.1% |
| Eswatini | $608K | 4.8% |
| DR Congo | $375K | 2.9% |
| Tanzania | $271K | 2.1% |
| Australia | $249K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa alternative chemistry batteries imports (HS 8507.80): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 8507.80: Electric accumulators: other than lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-iron, nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square).
Common questions
What is the value of alternative chemistry batteries imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported alternative chemistry batteries worth $16.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 986 tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 217 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 28% on 2023.
Which countries supply alternative chemistry batteries to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 84% of the value ($13.6 million), followed by the United States (5%) and Switzerland (4%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 52 supplier countries in total. Taiwan grew fastest among the top ten, up 25% on the year.
What is the average import price of alternative chemistry batteries per kg?
The average declared import value was about $16.46 per kg in 2024, 48% above the world average of $11.10 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of alternative chemistry batteries to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $29.4 million in 2017 to $16.2 million in 2024, a fall of 45%. The peak was 2017 at $29.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $20.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export alternative chemistry batteries?
Yes. South Africa exported $12.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zambia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for alternative chemistry batteries?
The HS code for alternative chemistry batteries is subheading 8507.80. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8507 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World alternative chemistry batteries trade: top importers and exporters
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