Diesel cars <1500cc imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $14.2 million of diesel cars <1500cc in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). That is 47% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 21% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $83.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14.2M | 1.4K t |
| 2023 | $26.8M | 2.4K t |
| 2022 | $49.5M | 4.6K t |
| 2021 | $41.6M | 4.1K t |
| 2020 | $34.5M | 3.4K t |
| 2019 | $83.2M | 8.6K t |
| 2018 | $74.2M | 7.3K t |
| 2017 | $75.0M | 7.6K t |
Where South Africa imports diesel cars <1500cc from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 83% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+146% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $11.8M | 83% |
| Japan | $1.8M | 13% |
| Romania | $634K | 4.5% |
| United States | $23K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $6K | 0% |
| Zimbabwe | $4K | 0% |
| Zambia | $3K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.09 per kg, close to the world average of $10.54.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Diesel cars <1500cc exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported diesel cars <1500cc worth $2.4 million (229 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (28%), Slovakia (18%), Eswatini (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+481% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $675K | 28% |
| Slovakia | $432K | 18% |
| Eswatini | $370K | 15% |
| Botswana | $222K | 9.3% |
| DR Congo | $205K | 8.6% |
| Mozambique | $88K | 3.7% |
| Tanzania | $61K | 2.6% |
| Lesotho | $61K | 2.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $60K | 2.5% |
| Malawi | $53K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa diesel cars <1500cc imports (HS 8703.31): 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 8703.31: Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity not over 1500cc.
Common questions
What is the value of diesel cars <1500cc imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported diesel cars <1500cc worth $14.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 200 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 47% on 2023.
Which countries supply diesel cars <1500cc to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 83% of the value ($11.8 million), followed by Japan (13%) and Romania (4%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 7 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 146% on the year.
What is the average import price of diesel cars <1500cc per kg?
The average declared import value was about $10.09 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $10.54 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of diesel cars <1500cc to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $75.0 million in 2017 to $14.2 million in 2024, a fall of 81%. The peak was 2019 at $83.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $49.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export diesel cars <1500cc?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Slovakia and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for diesel cars <1500cc?
The HS code for diesel cars <1500cc is subheading 8703.31. 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 8703 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.
Same product, other countries
World diesel cars <1500cc trade: top importers and exporters
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