Dental instruments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported dental instruments worth $15.5 million (343 tonnes). That is 6% more 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 | $15.5M | 343 t |
| 2023 | $14.6M | 179 t |
| 2022 | $17.3M | 185 t |
| 2021 | $12.8M | 81 t |
| 2020 | $10.7M | 566 t |
| 2019 | $14.8M | 64 t |
| 2018 | $14.6M | 92 t |
| 2017 | $14.8M | 102 t |
Where South Africa imports dental instruments from
The largest suppliers were Germany (30%), China (12%), United States (12%). Among the main suppliers, Israel grew fastest (+353% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $4.6M | 30% |
| China | $1.9M | 12% |
| United States | $1.9M | 12% |
| Israel | $1.6M | 10% |
| Switzerland | $1.4M | 8.9% |
| Japan | $1.0M | 6.5% |
| Italy | $642K | 4.2% |
| South Korea | $498K | 3.2% |
| United Kingdom | $252K | 1.6% |
| Denmark | $238K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $45.07 per kg, 60% below the world average of $113.60, 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.
Dental instruments exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $4.0 million of dental instruments in 2024 (24 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (30%), Australia (15%), Botswana (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+304% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.2M | 30% |
| Australia | $603K | 15% |
| Botswana | $418K | 10% |
| Switzerland | $252K | 6.3% |
| Zambia | $235K | 5.9% |
| United Kingdom | $195K | 4.8% |
| Eswatini | $129K | 3.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $128K | 3.2% |
| United States | $89K | 2.2% |
| Nigeria | $86K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa dental instruments imports (HS 9018.49): 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 9018.49: Dental instruments and appliances: other than dental drill engines.
Common questions
What is the value of dental instruments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported dental instruments worth $15.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 343 tonnes. That ranks it 55th of 219 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply dental instruments to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($4.6 million), followed by China (12%) and the United States (12%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 58 supplier countries in total. Israel grew fastest among the top ten, up 353% on the year.
What is the average import price of dental instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $45.07 per kg in 2024, 60% below the world average of $113.60 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of dental instruments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $14.8 million in 2017 to $15.5 million in 2024, an increase of 4%. The peak was 2022 at $17.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $14.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export dental instruments?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Australia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for dental instruments?
The HS code for dental instruments is subheading 9018.49. 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 9018 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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