Central air conditioning units imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of central air conditioning units by South Africa reached $16.9 million in 2024 (844 tonnes). Value fell 4% from 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 | $16.9M | 844 t |
| 2023 | $17.6M | 878 t |
| 2022 | $10.3M | 650 t |
| 2021 | $15.0M | 933 t |
| 2020 | $14.4M | 917 t |
| 2019 | $11.7M | 775 t |
| 2018 | $11.4M | 651 t |
| 2017 | $13.2M | 774 t |
Where South Africa imports central air conditioning units from
One supplier dominates: Italy accounted for 59% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $9.9M | 59% |
| China | $3.0M | 18% |
| Germany | $1.0M | 6% |
| United States | $592K | 3.5% |
| Slovakia | $482K | 2.9% |
| Turkey | $408K | 2.4% |
| Japan | $349K | 2.1% |
| Hong Kong | $346K | 2% |
| India | $202K | 1.2% |
| Malta | $115K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.05 per kg, 29% above the world average of $15.57. 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.
Central air conditioning units exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.3 million of central air conditioning units in 2024 (183 tonnes). Most of it went to Mozambique (16%), DR Congo (14%), Botswana (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 40%. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+392% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $514K | 16% |
| DR Congo | $448K | 14% |
| Botswana | $362K | 11% |
| Kenya | $361K | 11% |
| Zambia | $332K | 10% |
| Lesotho | $298K | 9% |
| Namibia | $231K | 7% |
| Eswatini | $193K | 5.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $122K | 3.7% |
| Germany | $64K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa central air conditioning units imports (HS 8415.82): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 8415.82: Air conditioning machines: containing a motor driven fan, other than window or wall types, incorporating a refrigerating unit.
Common questions
What is the value of central air conditioning units imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported central air conditioning units worth $16.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 844 tonnes. That ranks it 52nd of 215 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply central air conditioning units to South Africa?
Italy was the largest supplier with 59% of the value ($9.9 million), followed by China (18%) and Germany (6%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 52% on the year.
What is the average import price of central air conditioning units per kg?
The average declared import value was about $20.05 per kg in 2024, 29% above the world average of $15.57 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of central air conditioning units to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.2 million in 2017 to $16.9 million in 2024, an increase of 28%. The peak was 2023 at $17.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export central air conditioning units?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, the DR Congo and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $13.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for central air conditioning units?
The HS code for central air conditioning units is subheading 8415.82. 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 8415 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World central air conditioning units trade: top importers and exporters
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