Cameras exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $10.6 million of cameras in 2024 (32 tonnes). That is 82% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $70.5 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $10.6M | 32 t |
| 2023 | $57.8M | 48 t |
| 2022 | $70.5M | 61 t |
| 2021 | $27.2M | 42 t |
| 2020 | $1.9M | 36 t |
| 2019 | $3.1M | 42 t |
| 2018 | $5.0M | 48 t |
| 2017 | $3.2M | 43 t |
Where South Africa exports cameras to
One buyer market dominates: Italy accounted for 54% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+163% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $5.7M | 54% |
| Namibia | $1.3M | 12% |
| Nigeria | $1.2M | 11% |
| United States | $477K | 4.5% |
| Hong Kong | $180K | 1.7% |
| Mali | $166K | 1.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $140K | 1.3% |
| Germany | $132K | 1.3% |
| Turkey | $111K | 1.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $96K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 9006
| 9006.30 | Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic): specially designed for underwater use, aerial survey, medical or surgical examination of internal… | 67% |
| 9006.59 | Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic): n.e.c. in heading no 9006 | 15% |
| 9006.91 | Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic): parts and accessories | 9.7% |
| 9006.99 | Photographic flashlight apparatus: parts and accessories, for other than cameras | 4.7% |
| 9006.53 | Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic): of a kind (not SLR) for roll film of a width of 35mm | 1% |
| 9006.40 | Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic): instant print cameras | 0.9% |
| 9006.69 | Photographic flashlight apparatus: n.e.c. in heading no. 9006 | 0.7% |
| 9006.61 | Photographic flashlight apparatus: discharge lamp (electronic) | 0.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9006.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $336.11 per kg, 1651% above the world average of $19.20. 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.
Cameras imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported cameras worth $8.5 million (201 tonnes). China alone supplied 54% of it. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+440% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.6M | 54% |
| Germany | $994K | 12% |
| Turkey | $890K | 10% |
| United States | $416K | 4.9% |
| Hong Kong | $278K | 3.3% |
| Taiwan | $197K | 2.3% |
| Vietnam | $148K | 1.7% |
| Thailand | $141K | 1.7% |
| Japan | $85K | 1% |
| United Kingdom | $80K | 0.9% |
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 9006: Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs other than discharge lamps of heading no. 8539.
Common questions
What is the value of cameras exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported cameras worth $10.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 32 tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 166 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 82% on 2023.
Which countries buy cameras from South Africa?
Italy was the largest buyer with 54% of the value ($5.7 million), followed by Namibia (12%) and Nigeria (11%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 80 buyer countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 654% on the year.
What is the average export price of cameras per kg?
The average declared export value was about $336.11 per kg in 2024, 1651% above the world average of $19.20 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 exports of cameras from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.2 million in 2017 to $10.6 million in 2024, an increase of 226%. The peak was 2022 at $70.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import cameras?
Yes. South Africa imported $8.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and Turkey. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for cameras?
The HS code for cameras is heading 9006. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9006.30 (67% of the value) and 9006.59 (15%). 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 9006 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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