Book-binding machine imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of book-binding machine by South Africa reached $3.5 million in 2024 (134 tonnes). That is 20% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $10.3 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 | $3.5M | 134 t |
| 2023 | $4.3M | 123 t |
| 2022 | $4.2M | 163 t |
| 2021 | $4.2M | 186 t |
| 2020 | $2.7M | 85 t |
| 2019 | $5.1M | 134 t |
| 2018 | $10.3M | 323 t |
| 2017 | $7.1M | 201 t |
Where South Africa imports book-binding machine from
The largest suppliers were Germany (20%), China (14%), Italy (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 43%. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+426% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $707K | 20% |
| China | $476K | 14% |
| Italy | $330K | 9.5% |
| India | $288K | 8.3% |
| Switzerland | $264K | 7.6% |
| Portugal | $241K | 6.9% |
| Belgium | $201K | 5.8% |
| United Kingdom | $179K | 5.1% |
| Thailand | $162K | 4.7% |
| United States | $144K | 4.2% |
Product types under HS 8440
| 8440.10 | Book-binding machinery: including book-sewing machines | 65% |
| 8440.90 | Book-binding machinery: including book-sewing machines, parts thereof | 35% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8440.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $25.95 per kg, close to the world average of $23.58.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Book-binding machine exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $518 thousand of book-binding machine in 2024 (56 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United Kingdom (33%), Zimbabwe (14%), Namibia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, United Kingdom grew fastest (+114% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $171K | 33% |
| Zimbabwe | $72K | 14% |
| Namibia | $57K | 11% |
| Botswana | $52K | 10% |
| Mozambique | $44K | 8.5% |
| Eswatini | $29K | 5.7% |
| Nigeria | $28K | 5.5% |
| Zambia | $20K | 3.8% |
| Germany | $11K | 2% |
| Italy | $6K | 1.1% |
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 8440: Book-binding machinery; including book-sewing machines.
Common questions
What is the value of book-binding machine imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported book-binding machine worth $3.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 134 tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 197 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 20% on 2023.
Which countries supply book-binding machine to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 20% of the value ($707 thousand), followed by China (14%) and Italy (9%). The top three together account for 43%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 426% on the year.
What is the average import price of book-binding machine per kg?
The average declared import value was about $25.95 per kg in 2024, 10% above the world average of $23.58 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 book-binding machine to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.1 million in 2017 to $3.5 million in 2024, a fall of 51%. The peak was 2018 at $10.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export book-binding machine?
Yes. South Africa exported $518 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for book-binding machine?
The HS code for book-binding machine is heading 8440. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8440.10 (65% of the value) and 8440.90 (35%). 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 8440 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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