Computer systems imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of computer systems by South Africa reached $134.7 million in 2024 (855 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 106% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average.
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 | $134.7M | 855 t |
| 2023 | $65.5M | 340 t |
| 2022 | $53.9M | 276 t |
| 2021 | $58.1M | 363 t |
| 2020 | $36.3M | 234 t |
| 2019 | $54.0M | 373 t |
| 2018 | $67.2M | 443 t |
| 2017 | $41.3M | 303 t |
Where South Africa imports computer systems from
One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Taiwan grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $75.6M | 56% |
| China | $17.9M | 13% |
| Taiwan | $17.1M | 13% |
| Poland | $8.2M | 6.1% |
| France | $4.4M | 3.3% |
| Netherlands | $2.9M | 2.2% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 1% |
| Italy | $1.0M | 0.8% |
| Czech Republic | $986K | 0.7% |
| Canada | $610K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $157.61 per kg, close to the world average of $167.68.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Computer systems exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $9.5 million of computer systems in 2024 (55 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (16%), Zimbabwe (14%), Namibia (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 42%. Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.6M | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 14% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 12% |
| Hong Kong | $889K | 9.3% |
| Mozambique | $793K | 8.3% |
| Zambia | $577K | 6.1% |
| Ghana | $505K | 5.3% |
| Angola | $349K | 3.7% |
| Eswatini | $320K | 3.4% |
| United Kingdom | $274K | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa computer systems imports (HS 8471.49): 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 8471.49: Automatic data processing machines: presented in the form of systems, n.e.c. in item no. 8471.30 or 8471.41.
Common questions
What is the value of computer systems imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported computer systems worth $134.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 855 tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 219 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 106% on 2023.
Which countries supply computer systems to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 56% of the value ($75.6 million), followed by China (13%) and Taiwan (13%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 60 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 397% on the year.
What is the average import price of computer systems per kg?
The average declared import value was about $157.61 per kg in 2024, 6% below the world average of $167.68 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of computer systems to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $41.3 million in 2017 to $134.7 million in 2024, an increase of 226%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $63.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export computer systems?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $125.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for computer systems?
The HS code for computer systems is subheading 8471.49. 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.
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