Desktop computers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported desktop computers worth $54.5 million (503 tonnes). Value rose 13% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 13% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $69.7 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 | $54.5M | 503 t |
| 2023 | $48.0M | 268 t |
| 2022 | $69.7M | 395 t |
| 2021 | $32.7M | 229 t |
| 2020 | $21.7M | 159 t |
| 2019 | $31.3M | 227 t |
| 2018 | $32.2M | 227 t |
| 2017 | $23.7M | 197 t |
Where South Africa imports desktop computers from
China alone supplied 55% of it. Among the main suppliers, Hong Kong grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $30.2M | 56% |
| Czech Republic | $3.5M | 6.3% |
| United States | $3.3M | 6% |
| Taiwan | $3.2M | 5.9% |
| Hong Kong | $2.0M | 3.7% |
| Germany | $1.5M | 2.8% |
| South Korea | $1.4M | 2.5% |
| France | $1.2M | 2.2% |
| Netherlands | $1.1M | 2% |
| Thailand | $1.0M | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $108.25 per kg, close to the world average of $113.21.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Desktop computers exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported desktop computers worth $13.5 million (161 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (25%), Botswana (15%), United Kingdom (10%). Among the main buyer markets, United Kingdom grew fastest (+869% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $3.4M | 25% |
| Botswana | $2.1M | 16% |
| United Kingdom | $1.4M | 10% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 10% |
| Eswatini | $1.2M | 9% |
| Zambia | $725K | 5.4% |
| Namibia | $472K | 3.5% |
| Lesotho | $470K | 3.5% |
| Australia | $320K | 2.4% |
| United States | $286K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa desktop computers imports (HS 8471.41): 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 8471.41: Automatic data processing machines: comprising in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit, whether or not combined, n.e.c. in item no. 8471.30.
Common questions
What is the value of desktop computers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported desktop computers worth $54.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 503 tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 215 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply desktop computers to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 55% of the value ($30.2 million), followed by the Czech Republic (6%) and the United States (6%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 64 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 627% on the year.
What is the average import price of desktop computers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $108.25 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $113.21 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of desktop computers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $23.7 million in 2017 to $54.5 million in 2024, an increase of 130%. The peak was 2022 at $69.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $39.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export desktop computers?
Yes. South Africa exported $13.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Botswana and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $41.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for desktop computers?
The HS code for desktop computers is subheading 8471.41. 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 8471 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
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