Distribution board parts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of distribution board parts by South Africa reached $28.5 million in 2024 (3.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 18% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $37.0 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 | $28.5M | 3.9K t |
| 2023 | $34.7M | 4.7K t |
| 2022 | $29.7M | 3.9K t |
| 2021 | $37.0M | 4.3K t |
| 2020 | $22.0M | 3.5K t |
| 2019 | $25.4M | 3.7K t |
| 2018 | $28.4M | 3.9K t |
| 2017 | $27.8M | 3.5K t |
Where South Africa imports distribution board parts from
The largest suppliers were China (46%), Italy (10%), India (8%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+712% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $13.2M | 46% |
| Italy | $2.9M | 10% |
| India | $2.3M | 8% |
| Malaysia | $2.0M | 7.1% |
| Denmark | $1.8M | 6.4% |
| Germany | $789K | 2.8% |
| France | $776K | 2.7% |
| Sri Lanka | $717K | 2.5% |
| Japan | $712K | 2.5% |
| Spain | $447K | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.26 per kg, 27% below the world average of $9.92, 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.
Distribution board parts exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $9.3 million of distribution board parts in 2024 (928 tonnes). Most of it went to United Kingdom (22%), France (17%), Namibia (14%). Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+322% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $2.1M | 22% |
| France | $1.6M | 17% |
| Namibia | $1.3M | 14% |
| Zambia | $1.1M | 12% |
| Mozambique | $709K | 7.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $594K | 6.4% |
| Eswatini | $314K | 3.4% |
| Botswana | $272K | 2.9% |
| DR Congo | $210K | 2.3% |
| Somalia | $115K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa distribution board parts imports (HS 8538.10): 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 8538.10: Electrical apparatus: parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, other bases), for goods of heading no. 8537, not equipped with their apparatus.
Common questions
What is the value of distribution board parts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported distribution board parts worth $28.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 217 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 18% on 2023.
Which countries supply distribution board parts to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($13.2 million), followed by Italy (10%) and India (8%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 63 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 712% on the year.
What is the average import price of distribution board parts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.26 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $9.92 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of distribution board parts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $27.8 million in 2017 to $28.5 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2021 at $37.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $29.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export distribution board parts?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Kingdom, France and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $19.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for distribution board parts?
The HS code for distribution board parts is subheading 8538.10. 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 8538 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 distribution board parts trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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