Crane trucks imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported crane trucks worth $26.9 million (7.0 thousand tonnes). That is 19% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $33.8 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 | $26.9M | 7.0K t |
| 2023 | $33.3M | 6.4K t |
| 2022 | $33.8M | 6.8K t |
| 2021 | $17.0M | 3.4K t |
| 2020 | $14.7M | 2.8K t |
| 2019 | $18.8M | 3.7K t |
| 2018 | $16.3M | 2.6K t |
| 2017 | $24.4M | 5.0K t |
Where South Africa imports crane trucks from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+526% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $14.0M | 52% |
| Germany | $6.5M | 24% |
| Lesotho | $2.9M | 11% |
| Netherlands | $2.4M | 9% |
| Italy | $458K | 1.7% |
| Japan | $328K | 1.2% |
| Mozambique | $102K | 0.4% |
| Belgium | $76K | 0.3% |
| Malawi | $7K | 0% |
| Australia | $7K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.84 per kg, close to the world average of $4.69.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Crane trucks exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $9.9 million of crane trucks in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Lesotho (44%), Zambia (16%), Kenya (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+205% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $4.4M | 44% |
| Zambia | $1.5M | 16% |
| Kenya | $1.0M | 10% |
| Zimbabwe | $710K | 7.2% |
| Botswana | $552K | 5.6% |
| Angola | $435K | 4.4% |
| DR Congo | $421K | 4.3% |
| Namibia | $217K | 2.2% |
| Republic of the Congo | $191K | 1.9% |
| Eswatini | $186K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa crane trucks imports (HS 8705.10): 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 8705.10: Vehicles: crane lorries.
Common questions
What is the value of crane trucks imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported crane trucks worth $26.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 197 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply crane trucks to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 52% of the value ($14.0 million), followed by Germany (24%) and Lesotho (11%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 526% on the year.
What is the average import price of crane trucks per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.84 per kg in 2024, 18% below the world average of $4.69 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of crane trucks to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $24.4 million in 2017 to $26.9 million in 2024, an increase of 10%. The peak was 2022 at $33.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $23.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export crane trucks?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Zambia and Kenya. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for crane trucks?
The HS code for crane trucks is subheading 8705.10. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8705 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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