Audio recorder imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported audio recorder worth $12.5 million (361 tonnes). That is 11% 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 | $12.5M | 361 t |
| 2023 | $11.3M | 349 t |
| 2022 | $11.5M | 610 t |
| 2021 | $11.6M | 691 t |
| 2020 | $10.5M | 430 t |
| 2019 | $10.5M | 282 t |
| 2018 | $10.4M | 200 t |
| 2017 | $11.9M | 1.4K t |
Where South Africa imports audio recorder from
Most of the value came from China (38%), Vietnam (26%), Netherlands (17%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.7M | 38% |
| Vietnam | $3.2M | 26% |
| Netherlands | $2.1M | 17% |
| Malaysia | $458K | 3.7% |
| United States | $352K | 2.8% |
| United Kingdom | $294K | 2.4% |
| Australia | $279K | 2.2% |
| Germany | $247K | 2% |
| Austria | $147K | 1.2% |
| France | $121K | 1% |
Product types under HS 8519
| 8519.81 | Sound recording or reproducing apparatus: using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50 | 46% |
| 8519.89 | Sound recording or reproducing apparatus: n.e.c. in heading no 8519 | 46% |
| 8519.30 | Sound recording or reproducing apparatus: turntables (record-decks) | 7.7% |
| 8519.20 | Sound recording or reproducing apparatus: operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or by other means of payment | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8519.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $34.67 per kg, 31% above the world average of $26.37. 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.
Audio recorder exports from South Africa
Exports of audio recorder by South Africa reached $1.5 million in 2024 (283 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (23%), Botswana (13%), Malawi (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $348K | 23% |
| Botswana | $202K | 13% |
| Malawi | $155K | 10% |
| Eswatini | $124K | 8.3% |
| Lesotho | $113K | 7.5% |
| Mauritius | $107K | 7.1% |
| DR Congo | $90K | 6% |
| Zambia | $61K | 4% |
| Mozambique | $41K | 2.7% |
| Switzerland | $40K | 2.6% |
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 8519: Sound recording or reproducing apparatus.
Common questions
What is the value of audio recorder imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported audio recorder worth $12.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 361 tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 212 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply audio recorder to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($4.7 million), followed by Vietnam (26%) and the Netherlands (17%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 58 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 135% on the year.
What is the average import price of audio recorder per kg?
The average declared import value was about $34.67 per kg in 2024, 31% above the world average of $26.37 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 audio recorder to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.9 million in 2017 to $12.5 million in 2024, an increase of 5%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export audio recorder?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for audio recorder?
The HS code for audio recorder is heading 8519. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8519.81 (46% of the value) and 8519.89 (46%). 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 8519 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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