Computer parts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $144.3 million of computer parts in 2024 (2.6 thousand tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $208.5 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 | $144.3M | 2.6K t |
| 2023 | $145.0M | 2.4K t |
| 2022 | $173.8M | 3.1K t |
| 2021 | $192.8M | 4.3K t |
| 2020 | $158.2M | 2.8K t |
| 2019 | $198.3M | 3.6K t |
| 2018 | $208.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2017 | $194.5M | 2.8K t |
Where South Africa imports computer parts from
China alone supplied 54% of it. Among the main suppliers, Taiwan grew fastest (+32% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $78.3M | 54% |
| Taiwan | $20.6M | 14% |
| United States | $7.7M | 5.3% |
| Germany | $4.7M | 3.3% |
| South Korea | $3.7M | 2.6% |
| Vietnam | $3.0M | 2.1% |
| United Kingdom | $3.0M | 2.1% |
| India | $2.9M | 2% |
| Japan | $1.8M | 1.3% |
| Netherlands | $1.8M | 1.3% |
Product types under HS 8473
| 8473.30 | Machinery: parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) of the machines of heading no. 8471 | 84% |
| 8473.40 | Machinery: parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) of the machines of heading no. 8472 | 9.2% |
| 8473.29 | Machinery: parts and accessories of the machines of item no. 8470.30. 8470.50 or 8470.90 (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) | 4.1% |
| 8473.50 | Machines: parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) equally suitable for use with machines of two or more of the… | 2.1% |
| 8473.21 | Calculating machines: parts and accessories of the electronic calculating machines of item no. 8470.10, 8470.21 or 8470.29 (other than covers… | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8473.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $56.20 per kg, 58% below the world average of $132.75, 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.
Computer parts exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $48.2 million of computer parts in 2024 (465 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Netherlands (45%), Mozambique (9%), United States (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+118% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $21.5M | 45% |
| Mozambique | $4.1M | 8.6% |
| United States | $3.3M | 6.8% |
| Zambia | $2.1M | 4.4% |
| Namibia | $1.9M | 4% |
| DR Congo | $1.7M | 3.5% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 3% |
| Botswana | $1.3M | 2.8% |
| Lesotho | $1.0M | 2.1% |
| Ireland | $914K | 1.9% |
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 8473: Machinery; parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) suitable for use solely or principally with machines of headings 84.70 to 84.72.
Common questions
What is the value of computer parts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported computer parts worth $144.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 226 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply computer parts to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 54% of the value ($78.3 million), followed by Taiwan (14%) and the United States (5%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 109 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 165% on the year.
What is the average import price of computer parts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $56.20 per kg in 2024, 58% below the world average of $132.75 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 imports of computer parts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $194.5 million in 2017 to $144.3 million in 2024, a fall of 26%. The peak was 2018 at $208.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export computer parts?
Yes. South Africa exported $48.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Netherlands, Mozambique and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $96.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for computer parts?
The HS code for computer parts is heading 8473. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8473.30 (84% of the value) and 8473.40 (9%). 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 8473 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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