Diesel cars >2500cc exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $490.7 million of diesel cars >2500cc in 2024 (28.8 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 156 countries. That is 30% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $974.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $490.7M | 28.8K t |
| 2023 | $376.4M | 24.4K t |
| 2022 | $276.4M | 14.3K t |
| 2021 | $429.7M | 19.2K t |
| 2020 | $405.5M | 22.4K t |
| 2019 | $798.3M | 46.1K t |
| 2018 | $974.2M | 63.8K t |
| 2017 | $624.5M | 36.3K t |
Where South Africa exports diesel cars >2500cc to
The largest buyer markets were United Kingdom (45%), Germany (16%), Zimbabwe (5%). Among the main buyer markets, United Kingdom grew fastest (+597% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $222.3M | 45% |
| Germany | $78.0M | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $23.7M | 4.8% |
| Zambia | $19.4M | 4% |
| New Zealand | $13.3M | 2.7% |
| Austria | $13.0M | 2.7% |
| Spain | $12.2M | 2.5% |
| Botswana | $10.9M | 2.2% |
| Switzerland | $9.3M | 1.9% |
| Kenya | $9.2M | 1.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $17.06 per kg, close to the world average of $17.22.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Diesel cars >2500cc imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $333.7 million of diesel cars >2500cc in 2024 (19.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Most of the value came from Japan (47%), United States (21%), Thailand (16%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+43% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $157.6M | 47% |
| United States | $69.4M | 21% |
| Thailand | $54.2M | 16% |
| Portugal | $20.3M | 6.1% |
| France | $12.9M | 3.9% |
| Slovakia | $12.7M | 3.8% |
| Germany | $2.1M | 0.6% |
| Austria | $1.9M | 0.6% |
| New Zealand | $641K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $518K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa diesel cars >2500cc exports (HS 8703.33): 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 8703.33: Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500cc.
Common questions
What is the value of diesel cars >2500cc exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported diesel cars >2500cc worth $490.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 28.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 156 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 30% on 2023.
Which countries buy diesel cars >2500cc from South Africa?
The United Kingdom was the largest buyer with 45% of the value ($222.3 million), followed by Germany (16%) and Zimbabwe (5%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 58 buyer countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 597% on the year.
What is the average export price of diesel cars >2500cc per kg?
The average declared export value was about $17.06 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $17.22 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of diesel cars >2500cc from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $624.5 million in 2017 to $490.7 million in 2024, a fall of 21%. The peak was 2018 at $974.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $547.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import diesel cars >2500cc?
Yes. South Africa imported $333.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Japan, the United States and Thailand. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $157.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for diesel cars >2500cc?
The HS code for diesel cars >2500cc is subheading 8703.33. 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 >2500cc trade: top importers and exporters
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