Diesel-electric locomotives exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $11.6 million of diesel-electric locomotives in 2024 (7.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 43 countries. Value fell 31% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $24.9 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 | $11.6M | 7.3K t |
| 2023 | $16.7M | 5.8K t |
| 2022 | $24.9M | 2.1K t |
| 2021 | $18.3M | 3.6K t |
| 2020 | $3.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $12.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $14.9M | 3.2K t |
| 2017 | $4.5M | 808 t |
Where South Africa exports diesel-electric locomotives to
Most of it went to Tanzania (31%), Zimbabwe (30%), Eswatini (21%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+108% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $3.6M | 31% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.5M | 30% |
| Eswatini | $2.5M | 22% |
| DR Congo | $907K | 7.9% |
| Cambodia | $600K | 5.2% |
| Mozambique | $336K | 2.9% |
| Zambia | $70K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $59K | 0.5% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.58 per kg, 93% below the world average of $21.09, 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.
Diesel-electric locomotives imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $17.2 million of diesel-electric locomotives in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: Tanzania accounted for 51% of the value. Among the main suppliers, New Zealand grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $8.8M | 51% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.6M | 21% |
| Croatia | $2.7M | 15% |
| New Zealand | $1.8M | 10% |
| United States | $399K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa diesel-electric locomotives exports (HS 8602.10): 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 8602.10: Rail locomotives: diesel-electric powered.
Common questions
What is the value of diesel-electric locomotives exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported diesel-electric locomotives worth $11.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 43 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 31% on 2023.
Which countries buy diesel-electric locomotives from South Africa?
Tanzania was the largest buyer with 31% of the value ($3.6 million), followed by Zimbabwe (30%) and Eswatini (21%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 9 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 108% on the year.
What is the average export price of diesel-electric locomotives per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.58 per kg in 2024, 93% below the world average of $21.09 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of diesel-electric locomotives from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.5 million in 2017 to $11.6 million in 2024, an increase of 156%. The peak was 2022 at $24.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import diesel-electric locomotives?
Yes. South Africa imported $17.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Croatia. That compares with exports of $11.6 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for diesel-electric locomotives?
The HS code for diesel-electric locomotives is subheading 8602.10. It sits in HS chapter 86 (railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8602 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World diesel-electric locomotives trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.