Cars exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported cars worth $8.70 billion (574.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $8.70B | 574.2K t |
| 2023 | $8.46B | 550.8K t |
| 2022 | $8.68B | 552.7K t |
| 2021 | $6.88B | 399.8K t |
| 2020 | $5.58B | 360.0K t |
| 2019 | $7.86B | 525.6K t |
| 2018 | $7.56B | 487.0K t |
| 2017 | $6.95B | 496.9K t |
Where South Africa exports cars to
The largest buyer markets were Germany (31%), United States (18%), United Kingdom (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Belgium grew fastest (+221% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.67B | 31% |
| United States | $1.55B | 18% |
| United Kingdom | $1.02B | 12% |
| France | $624.5M | 7.2% |
| Japan | $303.6M | 3.5% |
| Belgium | $294.9M | 3.4% |
| Turkey | $246.2M | 2.8% |
| Poland | $224.3M | 2.6% |
| Spain | $149.9M | 1.7% |
| Australia | $149.4M | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 8703
| 8703.23 | Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000cc | 30% |
| 8703.21 | Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity not over 1000cc | 26% |
| 8703.32 | Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500cc | 13% |
| 8703.22 | Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500cc | 9.2% |
| 8703.60 | Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, capable of being charged by… | 5.9% |
| 8703.40 | Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by… | 5.8% |
| 8703.33 | Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500cc | 5.6% |
| 8703.24 | Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000cc | 2.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8703.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $15.16 per kg, close to the world average of $16.22.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cars imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported cars worth $3.67 billion (277.4 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from India (33%), China (17%), Germany (14%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+61% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.21B | 33% |
| China | $625.0M | 17% |
| Germany | $505.9M | 14% |
| Japan | $314.0M | 8.6% |
| United States | $181.8M | 5% |
| Slovakia | $116.2M | 3.2% |
| Thailand | $113.5M | 3.1% |
| United Kingdom | $113.3M | 3.1% |
| Spain | $109.7M | 3% |
| Mexico | $73.3M | 2% |
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 8703: Motor cars and other motor vehicles; principally designed for the transport of persons (other than those of heading no. 8702), including station wagons and racing cars.
Common questions
What is the value of cars exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported cars worth $8.70 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 574.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 211 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries buy cars from South Africa?
Germany was the largest buyer with 31% of the value ($2.67 billion), followed by the United States (18%) and the United Kingdom (12%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 116 buyer countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 221% on the year.
What is the average export price of cars per kg?
The average declared export value was about $15.16 per kg in 2024, 7% below the world average of $16.22 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 cars from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $6.95 billion in 2017 to $8.70 billion in 2024, an increase of 25%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import cars?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.67 billion worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, China and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.04 billion a year.
What is the HS code for cars?
The HS code for cars is heading 8703. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8703.23 (30% of the value) and 8703.21 (26%). It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8703 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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