Computer storage units imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of computer storage units by South Africa reached $158.3 million in 2024 (316 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $217.4 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 | $158.3M | 316 t |
| 2023 | $157.5M | 395 t |
| 2022 | $176.5M | 456 t |
| 2021 | $162.7M | 447 t |
| 2020 | $147.9M | 476 t |
| 2019 | $162.5M | 579 t |
| 2018 | $192.2M | 633 t |
| 2017 | $217.4M | 821 t |
Where South Africa imports computer storage units from
Most of the value came from China (24%), Mexico (12%), Ireland (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 47%. Among the main suppliers, Mexico grew fastest (+289% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $37.7M | 24% |
| Mexico | $19.5M | 12% |
| Ireland | $17.7M | 11% |
| United States | $15.0M | 9.5% |
| Thailand | $14.9M | 9.4% |
| Czech Republic | $7.9M | 5% |
| Philippines | $7.8M | 4.9% |
| Vietnam | $7.7M | 4.9% |
| Netherlands | $7.1M | 4.5% |
| Poland | $5.1M | 3.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $500.47 per kg, 30% above the world average of $384.45. 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.
Computer storage units exports from South Africa
Exports of computer storage units by South Africa reached $17.8 million in 2024 (77 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (26%), United Kingdom (9%), Zimbabwe (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+396% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $4.6M | 26% |
| United Kingdom | $1.6M | 9% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.5M | 8.3% |
| Netherlands | $1.4M | 8% |
| Botswana | $1.1M | 6.1% |
| Zambia | $953K | 5.4% |
| Eswatini | $844K | 4.8% |
| Mauritius | $711K | 4% |
| Lesotho | $543K | 3.1% |
| South Korea | $438K | 2.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa computer storage units imports (HS 8471.70): 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 8471.70: Units of automatic data processing machines: storage units.
Common questions
What is the value of computer storage units imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported computer storage units worth $158.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 316 tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 219 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply computer storage units to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($37.7 million), followed by Mexico (12%) and Ireland (11%). The top three together account for 47%, out of 89 supplier countries in total. Mexico grew fastest among the top ten, up 289% on the year.
What is the average import price of computer storage units per kg?
The average declared import value was about $500.47 per kg in 2024, 30% above the world average of $384.45 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of computer storage units to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $217.4 million in 2017 to $158.3 million in 2024, a fall of 27%. The peak was 2017 at $217.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $171.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export computer storage units?
Yes. South Africa exported $17.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $140.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for computer storage units?
The HS code for computer storage units is subheading 8471.70. 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 8471 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 computer storage units trade: top importers and exporters
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