Crane imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported crane worth $130.7 million (19.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 58% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $130.7M | 19.8K t |
| 2023 | $82.6M | 9.8K t |
| 2022 | $76.9M | 10.1K t |
| 2021 | $73.6M | 10.0K t |
| 2020 | $77.4M | 11.3K t |
| 2019 | $59.7M | 8.6K t |
| 2018 | $70.6M | 9.9K t |
| 2017 | $59.5M | 8.6K t |
Where South Africa imports crane from
Most of the value came from Ireland (22%), China (17%), Germany (16%). Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $29.2M | 22% |
| China | $22.1M | 17% |
| Germany | $21.2M | 16% |
| Thailand | $11.3M | 8.6% |
| Italy | $8.2M | 6.3% |
| Austria | $4.7M | 3.6% |
| Australia | $3.9M | 3% |
| Poland | $3.9M | 3% |
| Japan | $3.9M | 3% |
| Spain | $3.6M | 2.8% |
Product types under HS 8426
| 8426.19 | Cranes: transporter, gantry and bridge cranes | 33% |
| 8426.41 | Cranes: self-propelled derricks and cranes, on tyres, n.e.c. in heading no. 8426 | 21% |
| 8426.91 | Cranes and derricks: designed for mounting on road vehicles | 16% |
| 8426.12 | Cranes: mobile lifting frames on tyres and straddle carriers | 11% |
| 8426.49 | Cranes: self-propelled derricks and cranes, not on tyres, n.e.c. in heading no. 8426 | 11% |
| 8426.99 | Cranes and derricks: for other than mounting on road vehicles, n.e.c. in heading no. 8426 | 4% |
| 8426.11 | Cranes: overhead travelling cranes on fixed support | 3% |
| 8426.20 | Cranes: tower cranes | 1.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8426.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.62 per kg, close to the world average of $6.26.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Crane exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $32.5 million of crane in 2024 (4.6 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (17%), Zimbabwe (11%), Mozambique (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 37%. Among the main buyer markets, Madagascar grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $5.6M | 17% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.6M | 11% |
| Mozambique | $2.8M | 8.7% |
| Lesotho | $2.6M | 7.9% |
| Namibia | $2.3M | 7.1% |
| DR Congo | $2.2M | 6.7% |
| Burkina Faso | $1.9M | 5.8% |
| Madagascar | $1.8M | 5.5% |
| Botswana | $1.7M | 5.3% |
| Malawi | $1.1M | 3.3% |
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 8426: Derricks, cranes, including cable cranes, mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane.
Common questions
What is the value of crane imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported crane worth $130.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 19.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 214 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 58% on 2023.
Which countries supply crane to South Africa?
Ireland was the largest supplier with 22% of the value ($29.2 million), followed by China (17%) and Germany (16%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 299% on the year.
What is the average import price of crane per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.62 per kg in 2024, 6% above the world average of $6.26 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 crane to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $59.5 million in 2017 to $130.7 million in 2024, an increase of 120%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export crane?
Yes. South Africa exported $32.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $98.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for crane?
The HS code for crane is heading 8426. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8426.19 (33% of the value) and 8426.41 (21%). 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 8426 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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