Diesel generator sets medium exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of diesel generator sets medium by South Africa reached $14.4 million in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 95% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average.
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 | $14.4M | 1.4K t |
| 2023 | $7.4M | 788 t |
| 2022 | $7.7M | 960 t |
| 2021 | $5.7M | 722 t |
| 2020 | $6.6M | 864 t |
| 2019 | $8.8M | 964 t |
| 2018 | $5.6M | 600 t |
| 2017 | $4.4M | 513 t |
Where South Africa exports diesel generator sets medium to
Most of it went to Zambia (46%), Zimbabwe (26%), Botswana (5%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+633% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $6.7M | 47% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.8M | 26% |
| Botswana | $669K | 4.6% |
| Namibia | $596K | 4.1% |
| Angola | $536K | 3.7% |
| Mozambique | $355K | 2.5% |
| Ghana | $315K | 2.2% |
| DR Congo | $298K | 2.1% |
| Eswatini | $246K | 1.7% |
| Malawi | $196K | 1.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.21 per kg, 28% above the world average of $7.96. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Diesel generator sets medium imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $11.7 million of diesel generator sets medium in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. China alone supplied 57% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.7M | 57% |
| United Kingdom | $1.3M | 11% |
| Spain | $1.2M | 10% |
| France | $554K | 4.7% |
| Brazil | $516K | 4.4% |
| India | $377K | 3.2% |
| Germany | $270K | 2.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | $260K | 2.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $160K | 1.4% |
| Italy | $84K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa diesel generator sets medium exports (HS 8502.12): 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 8502.12: Electric generating sets: with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA.
Common questions
What is the value of diesel generator sets medium exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported diesel generator sets medium worth $14.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 137 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 95% on 2023.
Which countries buy diesel generator sets medium from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 46% of the value ($6.7 million), followed by Zimbabwe (26%) and Botswana (5%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 633% on the year.
What is the average export price of diesel generator sets medium per kg?
The average declared export value was about $10.21 per kg in 2024, 28% above the world average of $7.96 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of diesel generator sets medium from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.4 million in 2017 to $14.4 million in 2024, an increase of 224%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $7.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import diesel generator sets medium?
Yes. South Africa imported $11.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United Kingdom and Spain. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for diesel generator sets medium?
The HS code for diesel generator sets medium is subheading 8502.12. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8502 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 diesel generator sets medium trade: top importers and exporters
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