Control instruments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported control instruments worth $129.2 million (3.2 thousand tonnes). That is 8% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $129.2M | 3.2K t |
| 2023 | $139.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $132.5M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $129.8M | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $108.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $150.6M | 1.8K t |
| 2018 | $155.6M | 1.5K t |
| 2017 | $136.8M | 1.6K t |
Where South Africa imports control instruments from
The largest suppliers were Germany (24%), China (22%), Italy (6%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+81% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $30.7M | 24% |
| China | $28.7M | 22% |
| Italy | $8.3M | 6.5% |
| United States | $7.9M | 6.1% |
| Japan | $6.7M | 5.2% |
| Finland | $6.0M | 4.6% |
| France | $4.8M | 3.7% |
| India | $3.1M | 2.4% |
| Brazil | $3.0M | 2.3% |
| Malaysia | $2.8M | 2.2% |
Product types under HS 9032
| 9032.89 | Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumatic | 59% |
| 9032.90 | Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic, parts and accessories | 14% |
| 9032.10 | Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic type, thermostats | 12% |
| 9032.81 | Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic, hydraulic or pneumatic | 9.5% |
| 9032.20 | Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic, manostats | 6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9032.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $40.11 per kg, 39% below the world average of $65.93, 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.
Control instruments exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported control instruments worth $19.2 million (268 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (11%), Botswana (9%), Mozambique (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 27%. Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest (+100% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.0M | 11% |
| Botswana | $1.7M | 8.8% |
| Mozambique | $1.4M | 7.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.4M | 7.4% |
| Zambia | $1.4M | 7.2% |
| DR Congo | $987K | 5.1% |
| Angola | $875K | 4.6% |
| Ghana | $731K | 3.8% |
| Eswatini | $725K | 3.8% |
| Australia | $526K | 2.7% |
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 9032: Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic type.
Common questions
What is the value of control instruments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported control instruments worth $129.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 41st of 224 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply control instruments to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($30.7 million), followed by China (22%) and Italy (6%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 99 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 81% on the year.
What is the average import price of control instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $40.11 per kg in 2024, 39% below the world average of $65.93 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 control instruments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $136.8 million in 2017 to $129.2 million in 2024, a fall of 6%. The peak was 2018 at $155.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export control instruments?
Yes. South Africa exported $19.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $110.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for control instruments?
The HS code for control instruments is heading 9032. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9032.89 (58% of the value) and 9032.90 (14%). 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 9032 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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