Desktop calculators imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $2.1 million of desktop calculators in 2024 (177 tonnes). That makes it the 5th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 186 countries. That is 67% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $7.5 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 | $2.1M | 177 t |
| 2023 | $6.2M | 49 t |
| 2022 | $7.5M | 59 t |
| 2021 | $5.8M | 42 t |
| 2020 | $3.9M | 29 t |
| 2019 | $1.0M | 56 t |
| 2018 | $955K | 4 t |
| 2017 | $1.2M | 89 t |
Where South Africa imports desktop calculators from
Thailand alone supplied 86% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $1.8M | 86% |
| China | $154K | 7.5% |
| United States | $24K | 1.2% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $20K | 1% |
| Australia | $17K | 0.8% |
| Canada | $15K | 0.7% |
| Belgium | $13K | 0.6% |
| Philippines | $12K | 0.6% |
| Italy | $12K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $12K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.67 per kg, 41% below the world average of $19.68, 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.
Desktop calculators exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $346 thousand of desktop calculators in 2024 (11 tonnes). Most of it went to DR Congo (40%), Lesotho (25%), Eswatini (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+571% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $139K | 40% |
| Lesotho | $88K | 25% |
| Eswatini | $44K | 13% |
| Namibia | $30K | 8.8% |
| Botswana | $22K | 6.4% |
| Mozambique | $9K | 2.5% |
| Zambia | $8K | 2.2% |
| Malawi | $2K | 0.6% |
| Mauritius | $2K | 0.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $1K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa desktop calculators imports (HS 8470.29): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 8470.29: Calculating machines: electronic, (not incorporating a printing device), needing an external power source.
Common questions
What is the value of desktop calculators imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported desktop calculators worth $2.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 177 tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 186 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was down 67% on 2023.
Which countries supply desktop calculators to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 86% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by China (7%) and the United States (1%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 18 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of desktop calculators per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.67 per kg in 2024, 41% below the world average of $19.68 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of desktop calculators to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.2 million in 2017 to $2.1 million in 2024, an increase of 74%. The peak was 2022 at $7.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export desktop calculators?
Yes. South Africa exported $346 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Lesotho and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for desktop calculators?
The HS code for desktop calculators is subheading 8470.29. 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 8470 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.
Same product, other countries
World desktop calculators trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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