Chest freezers exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $30.4 million of chest freezers in 2024 (7.9 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 5th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 148 countries. Value rose 10% on 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 | $30.4M | 7.9K t |
| 2023 | $27.7M | 6.2K t |
| 2022 | $30.2M | 7.5K t |
| 2021 | $30.6M | 7.8K t |
| 2020 | $26.1M | 8.6K t |
| 2019 | $28.7M | 7.4K t |
| 2018 | $31.0M | 6.3K t |
| 2017 | $23.8M | 6.5K t |
Where South Africa exports chest freezers to
Most of it went to Zambia (38%), Botswana (20%), Namibia (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+109% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $11.7M | 38% |
| Botswana | $6.2M | 21% |
| Namibia | $4.9M | 16% |
| Mozambique | $2.5M | 8.3% |
| Malawi | $1.3M | 4.1% |
| Eswatini | $889K | 2.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $756K | 2.5% |
| DR Congo | $622K | 2.1% |
| Lesotho | $453K | 1.5% |
| Ghana | $248K | 0.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.87 per kg, close to the world average of $3.82.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Chest freezers imports to South Africa
Imports of chest freezers by South Africa reached $14.5 million in 2024 (5.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. China alone supplied 52% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+45% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.5M | 52% |
| Eswatini | $5.4M | 38% |
| Thailand | $881K | 6.1% |
| Denmark | $236K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $135K | 0.9% |
| United States | $104K | 0.7% |
| Portugal | $53K | 0.4% |
| Poland | $40K | 0.3% |
| Bulgaria | $30K | 0.2% |
| Japan | $25K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa chest freezers exports (HS 8418.30): 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 8418.30: Freezers: of the chest type, not exceeding 800l capacity.
Common questions
What is the value of chest freezers exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported chest freezers worth $30.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 148 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries buy chest freezers from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 38% of the value ($11.7 million), followed by Botswana (20%) and Namibia (16%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 36 buyer countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 109% on the year.
What is the average export price of chest freezers per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.87 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $3.82 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of chest freezers from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $23.8 million in 2017 to $30.4 million in 2024, an increase of 27%. The peak was 2018 at $31.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $28.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import chest freezers?
Yes. South Africa imported $14.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Eswatini and Thailand. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $15.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for chest freezers?
The HS code for chest freezers is subheading 8418.30. 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 8418 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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