Diodes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $8.7 million of diodes in 2024 (30 tonnes). That is 26% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $13.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8.7M | 30 t |
| 2023 | $11.8M | 43 t |
| 2022 | $12.0M | 34 t |
| 2021 | $9.1M | 37 t |
| 2020 | $5.8M | 412 t |
| 2019 | $7.6M | 79 t |
| 2018 | $12.5M | 73 t |
| 2017 | $13.8M | 84 t |
Where South Africa imports diodes from
Most of the value came from China (33%), Germany (15%), Thailand (11%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.9M | 33% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 15% |
| Thailand | $932K | 11% |
| Taiwan | $855K | 9.8% |
| United Kingdom | $751K | 8.6% |
| Australia | $399K | 4.6% |
| Malaysia | $290K | 3.3% |
| United States | $275K | 3.2% |
| Zambia | $248K | 2.8% |
| Belgium | $116K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $292.44 per kg, 955% above the world average of $27.73. 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.
Diodes exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported diodes worth $1.2 million (9 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United Arab Emirates (35%), DR Congo (14%), Zambia (13%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+862% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $426K | 35% |
| DR Congo | $176K | 14% |
| Zambia | $164K | 14% |
| Namibia | $50K | 4.1% |
| Angola | $46K | 3.8% |
| Lesotho | $46K | 3.8% |
| Eswatini | $43K | 3.5% |
| Botswana | $31K | 2.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $31K | 2.5% |
| Malawi | $28K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa diodes imports (HS 8541.10): 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 8541.10: Electrical apparatus: diodes, other than photosensitive or light-emitting diodes (LED).
Common questions
What is the value of diodes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported diodes worth $8.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 30 tonnes. That ranks it 50th of 203 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 26% on 2023.
Which countries supply diodes to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by Germany (15%) and Thailand (11%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 57 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 256% on the year.
What is the average import price of diodes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $292.44 per kg in 2024, 955% above the world average of $27.73 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of diodes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.8 million in 2017 to $8.7 million in 2024, a fall of 36%. The peak was 2017 at $13.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export diodes?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Arab Emirates, the DR Congo and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for diodes?
The HS code for diodes is subheading 8541.10. 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 8541 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.
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