Breathing apparatus imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $18.7 million of breathing apparatus in 2024 (430 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 24% 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 | $18.7M | 430 t |
| 2023 | $15.1M | 313 t |
| 2022 | $13.1M | 425 t |
| 2021 | $14.3M | 493 t |
| 2020 | $13.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $13.2M | 397 t |
| 2018 | $14.7M | 436 t |
| 2017 | $17.9M | 610 t |
Where South Africa imports breathing apparatus from
Most of the value came from Germany (44%), China (14%), United States (13%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+98% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $8.2M | 44% |
| China | $2.6M | 14% |
| United States | $2.4M | 13% |
| Turkey | $1.4M | 7.5% |
| United Kingdom | $1.1M | 6.1% |
| Poland | $585K | 3.1% |
| Lithuania | $408K | 2.2% |
| France | $374K | 2% |
| Taiwan | $371K | 2% |
| Czech Republic | $358K | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $43.57 per kg, 35% below the world average of $67.12, 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.
Breathing apparatus exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported breathing apparatus worth $6.1 million (188 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were DR Congo (15%), Zimbabwe (15%), Zambia (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+185% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $905K | 15% |
| Zimbabwe | $900K | 15% |
| Zambia | $852K | 14% |
| Mozambique | $731K | 12% |
| Eswatini | $392K | 6.4% |
| Namibia | $330K | 5.4% |
| Ghana | $262K | 4.3% |
| Sweden | $212K | 3.5% |
| Mali | $194K | 3.2% |
| Botswana | $183K | 3% |
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 9020: Breathing appliances and gas masks; excluding protective masks having neither mechanical parts nor replaceable filters and excluding apparatus of item no. 9019.20.
Common questions
What is the value of breathing apparatus imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported breathing apparatus worth $18.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 430 tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 218 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply breathing apparatus to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($8.2 million), followed by China (14%) and the United States (13%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 56 supplier countries in total. The Czech Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 139% on the year.
What is the average import price of breathing apparatus per kg?
The average declared import value was about $43.57 per kg in 2024, 35% below the world average of $67.12 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 breathing apparatus to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.9 million in 2017 to $18.7 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 breathing apparatus?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $12.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for breathing apparatus?
The HS code for breathing apparatus is heading 9020. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 9020.00. 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 9020 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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