Analytical instruments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported analytical instruments worth $247.4 million (1.6 thousand tonnes). That is 6% 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 | $247.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $233.0M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $214.6M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $230.8M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $187.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $209.5M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $217.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $209.7M | 986 t |
Where South Africa imports analytical instruments from
The largest suppliers were United States (27%), Germany (24%), Japan (8%). Among the main suppliers, Canada grew fastest (+43% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $67.3M | 27% |
| Germany | $59.1M | 24% |
| Japan | $19.8M | 8% |
| China | $13.2M | 5.3% |
| Switzerland | $12.2M | 4.9% |
| United Kingdom | $12.1M | 4.9% |
| Netherlands | $7.4M | 3% |
| Singapore | $6.4M | 2.6% |
| Canada | $5.1M | 2.1% |
| Denmark | $4.9M | 2% |
Product types under HS 9027
| 9027.50 | Instruments and apparatus: using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR), (other than spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs) | 29% |
| 9027.90 | Microtomes and parts and accessories thereof | 25% |
| 9027.80 | Instruments and apparatus: for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities… | 23% |
| 9027.10 | Instruments and apparatus: gas or smoke analysis apparatus, for physical or chemical analysis | 13% |
| 9027.30 | Spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs: using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR) | 7.5% |
| 9027.20 | Chromatographs and electrophoresis instruments | 3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9027.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $157.71 per kg, 29% below the world average of $222.98, 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.
Analytical instruments exports from South Africa
Exports of analytical instruments by South Africa reached $66.2 million in 2024 (466 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (9%), Zimbabwe (9%), DR Congo (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 25%. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+98% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $6.0M | 9% |
| Zimbabwe | $5.9M | 8.9% |
| DR Congo | $4.9M | 7.4% |
| United States | $3.9M | 5.8% |
| Botswana | $3.7M | 5.7% |
| Mozambique | $3.4M | 5.2% |
| Tanzania | $3.3M | 4.9% |
| Zambia | $2.8M | 4.2% |
| Angola | $2.7M | 4% |
| Ghana | $2.3M | 3.5% |
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 9027: Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis (e.g. polarimeters, spectrometers), for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, etc, for measuring quantities of heat, sound or light.
Common questions
What is the value of analytical instruments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported analytical instruments worth $247.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply analytical instruments to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($67.3 million), followed by Germany (24%) and Japan (8%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 105 supplier countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 43% on the year.
What is the average import price of analytical instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $157.71 per kg in 2024, 29% below the world average of $222.98 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 analytical instruments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $209.7 million in 2017 to $247.4 million in 2024, an increase of 18%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export analytical instruments?
Yes. South Africa exported $66.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zimbabwe and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $181.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for analytical instruments?
The HS code for analytical instruments is heading 9027. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9027.50 (29% of the value) and 9027.90 (25%). It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9027 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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