Diesel generator sets small exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $13.7 million of diesel generator sets small in 2024 (1.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 4% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% 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 | $13.7M | 1.5K t |
| 2023 | $14.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $16.3M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $12.2M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $7.5M | 985 t |
| 2019 | $11.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2018 | $9.4M | 916 t |
| 2017 | $6.7M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa exports diesel generator sets small to
Most of it went to Tanzania (21%), Zambia (19%), Malawi (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $2.8M | 21% |
| Zambia | $2.6M | 19% |
| Malawi | $1.6M | 12% |
| DR Congo | $1.4M | 10% |
| Mozambique | $1.1M | 8.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $898K | 6.6% |
| Namibia | $830K | 6.1% |
| Botswana | $629K | 4.6% |
| Uganda | $414K | 3% |
| Angola | $380K | 2.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.23 per kg, 25% above the world average of $7.38. 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 small imports to South Africa
Imports of diesel generator sets small by South Africa reached $7.9 million in 2024 (1.9 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 58% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.5M | 58% |
| United States | $1.0M | 13% |
| Spain | $568K | 7.2% |
| India | $409K | 5.2% |
| United Kingdom | $371K | 4.7% |
| France | $370K | 4.7% |
| Italy | $207K | 2.6% |
| Malawi | $78K | 1% |
| Romania | $58K | 0.7% |
| Lebanon | $49K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa diesel generator sets small exports (HS 8502.11): 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 8502.11: Electric generating sets: with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output not exceeding 75kVA.
Common questions
What is the value of diesel generator sets small exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported diesel generator sets small worth $13.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 149 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries buy diesel generator sets small from South Africa?
Tanzania was the largest buyer with 21% of the value ($2.8 million), followed by Zambia (19%) and Malawi (12%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 39 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 492% on the year.
What is the average export price of diesel generator sets small per kg?
The average declared export value was about $9.23 per kg in 2024, 25% above the world average of $7.38 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 small from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $6.7 million in 2017 to $13.7 million in 2024, an increase of 106%. The peak was 2022 at $16.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import diesel generator sets small?
Yes. South Africa imported $7.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United States and Spain. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for diesel generator sets small?
The HS code for diesel generator sets small is subheading 8502.11. 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?
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 generator sets small trade: top importers and exporters
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