Compound optical microscopes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of compound optical microscopes by South Africa reached $2.6 million in 2024 (13 tonnes). That is 35% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $6.0 million.
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 | $2.6M | 13 t |
| 2023 | $4.0M | 10 t |
| 2022 | $6.0M | 18 t |
| 2021 | $3.2M | 65 t |
| 2020 | $1.8M | 6 t |
| 2019 | $3.2M | 20 t |
| 2018 | $4.6M | 21 t |
| 2017 | $3.7M | 17 t |
Where South Africa imports compound optical microscopes from
Most of the value came from China (38%), Germany (20%), Hungary (10%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+421% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $996K | 39% |
| Germany | $522K | 20% |
| Hungary | $254K | 9.8% |
| Finland | $148K | 5.7% |
| Sweden | $123K | 4.8% |
| Japan | $112K | 4.3% |
| United States | $86K | 3.3% |
| India | $66K | 2.5% |
| Netherlands | $61K | 2.3% |
| Italy | $54K | 2.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $199.18 per kg, close to the world average of $215.49.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Compound optical microscopes exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported compound optical microscopes worth $1.1 million (75 tonnes). Most of it went to United States (13%), DR Congo (12%), Malawi (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 38%. Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $149K | 13% |
| DR Congo | $139K | 12% |
| Malawi | $137K | 12% |
| Hungary | $126K | 11% |
| Germany | $90K | 8% |
| Zambia | $78K | 6.9% |
| Mozambique | $77K | 6.8% |
| Kenya | $64K | 5.7% |
| Nigeria | $60K | 5.4% |
| Angola | $32K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa compound optical microscopes imports (HS 9011.80): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 9011.80: Microscopes, compound optical: (other than stereoscopic and microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection).
Common questions
What is the value of compound optical microscopes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported compound optical microscopes worth $2.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13 tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 201 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 35% on 2023.
Which countries supply compound optical microscopes to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($996 thousand), followed by Germany (20%) and Hungary (10%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 421% on the year.
What is the average import price of compound optical microscopes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $199.18 per kg in 2024, 8% below the world average of $215.49 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of compound optical microscopes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.7 million in 2017 to $2.6 million in 2024, a fall of 31%. The peak was 2022 at $6.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export compound optical microscopes?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, the DR Congo and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for compound optical microscopes?
The HS code for compound optical microscopes is subheading 9011.80. 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 9011 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.
Same product, other countries
World compound optical microscopes trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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