Camera objective lenses imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $13.9 million of camera objective lenses in 2024 (40 tonnes). That is 14% 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 | $13.9M | 40 t |
| 2023 | $12.2M | 54 t |
| 2022 | $14.4M | 46 t |
| 2021 | $12.4M | 39 t |
| 2020 | $8.6M | 34 t |
| 2019 | $16.6M | 49 t |
| 2018 | $17.1M | 48 t |
| 2017 | $16.5M | 55 t |
Where South Africa imports camera objective lenses from
The largest suppliers were Japan (41%), China (13%), Thailand (12%). Among the main suppliers, Malaysia grew fastest (+101% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $5.7M | 41% |
| China | $1.7M | 13% |
| Thailand | $1.6M | 12% |
| Taiwan | $1.6M | 12% |
| Malaysia | $813K | 5.9% |
| United States | $740K | 5.3% |
| Germany | $445K | 3.2% |
| Vietnam | $306K | 2.2% |
| United Kingdom | $237K | 1.7% |
| Philippines | $157K | 1.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $348.94 per kg, 40% below the world average of $583.65, 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.
Camera objective lenses exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.1 million of camera objective lenses in 2024 (3 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Ukraine (35%), Hong Kong (18%), Namibia (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+387% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | $393K | 35% |
| Hong Kong | $197K | 18% |
| Namibia | $81K | 7.2% |
| Botswana | $67K | 6% |
| Netherlands | $67K | 6% |
| Austria | $59K | 5.3% |
| United States | $45K | 4.1% |
| Eswatini | $43K | 3.8% |
| United Kingdom | $28K | 2.5% |
| Denmark | $25K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa camera objective lenses imports (HS 9002.11): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 9002.11: Lenses: objective, for cameras, projectors or photographic enlargers or reducers, mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding glass not optically worked).
Common questions
What is the value of camera objective lenses imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported camera objective lenses worth $13.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 40 tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 200 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply camera objective lenses to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($5.7 million), followed by China (13%) and Thailand (12%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 46 supplier countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 101% on the year.
What is the average import price of camera objective lenses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $348.94 per kg in 2024, 40% below the world average of $583.65 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of camera objective lenses to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $16.5 million in 2017 to $13.9 million in 2024, a fall of 16%. The peak was 2018 at $17.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $14.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export camera objective lenses?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ukraine, Hong Kong and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $12.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for camera objective lenses?
The HS code for camera objective lenses is subheading 9002.11. 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 9002 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 camera objective lenses trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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