Ceramic insulators imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $6.2 million of ceramic insulators in 2024 (3.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 27% on 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 | $6.2M | 3.6K t |
| 2023 | $4.9M | 2.4K t |
| 2022 | $4.3M | 2.8K t |
| 2021 | $4.5M | 2.7K t |
| 2020 | $4.8M | 3.0K t |
| 2019 | $4.8M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $6.5M | 3.5K t |
| 2017 | $6.7M | 3.8K t |
Where South Africa imports ceramic insulators from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+74% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.4M | 56% |
| India | $1.3M | 22% |
| Sweden | $495K | 8% |
| Italy | $409K | 6.6% |
| United States | $178K | 2.9% |
| Germany | $134K | 2.2% |
| Norway | $59K | 1% |
| Spain | $47K | 0.8% |
| Australia | $38K | 0.6% |
| Switzerland | $25K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.72 per kg, 53% below the world average of $3.64, 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.
Ceramic insulators exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.9 million of ceramic insulators in 2024 (240 tonnes). Most of it went to Australia (43%), United States (35%), Namibia (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+925% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $797K | 43% |
| United States | $642K | 35% |
| Namibia | $112K | 6% |
| Tanzania | $62K | 3.3% |
| Zambia | $57K | 3.1% |
| Botswana | $47K | 2.5% |
| Mozambique | $33K | 1.8% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $27K | 1.4% |
| Oman | $13K | 0.7% |
| DR Congo | $12K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa ceramic insulators imports (HS 8546.20): 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 8546.20: Electrical insulators: of ceramics.
Common questions
What is the value of ceramic insulators imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported ceramic insulators worth $6.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 183 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply ceramic insulators to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 56% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by India (22%) and Sweden (8%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 74% on the year.
What is the average import price of ceramic insulators per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.72 per kg in 2024, 53% below the world average of $3.64 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of ceramic insulators to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.7 million in 2017 to $6.2 million in 2024, a fall of 7%. The peak was 2017 at $6.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export ceramic insulators?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Australia, the United States and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for ceramic insulators?
The HS code for ceramic insulators is subheading 8546.20. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8546 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.
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