Distribution transformers exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $4.0 million of distribution transformers in 2024 (194 tonnes). That is 12% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $6.5 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 | $4.0M | 194 t |
| 2023 | $3.6M | 204 t |
| 2022 | $6.5M | 640 t |
| 2021 | $6.5M | 445 t |
| 2020 | $3.1M | 168 t |
| 2019 | $3.5M | 210 t |
| 2018 | $3.6M | 229 t |
| 2017 | $2.9M | 223 t |
Where South Africa exports distribution transformers to
Most of it went to Eswatini (39%), Zambia (11%), Namibia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $1.6M | 39% |
| Zambia | $431K | 11% |
| Namibia | $430K | 11% |
| Lesotho | $389K | 9.6% |
| DR Congo | $313K | 7.8% |
| Sweden | $232K | 5.7% |
| Botswana | $131K | 3.3% |
| Tanzania | $87K | 2.2% |
| Malawi | $71K | 1.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $60K | 1.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.85 per kg, 328% above the world average of $4.87. 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.
Distribution transformers imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported distribution transformers worth $1.3 million (2.0 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (41%), Germany (20%), United States (13%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+253% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $518K | 41% |
| Germany | $256K | 20% |
| United States | $159K | 13% |
| Sweden | $83K | 6.6% |
| United Kingdom | $38K | 3% |
| India | $28K | 2.2% |
| Japan | $23K | 1.8% |
| Italy | $22K | 1.8% |
| Serbia | $22K | 1.7% |
| Finland | $15K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa distribution transformers exports (HS 8504.32): 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 8504.32: Transformers: n.e.c. in item no. 8504.2, having a power handling capacity exceeding 1kVA but not exceeding 16kVA.
Common questions
What is the value of distribution transformers exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported distribution transformers worth $4.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 194 tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 136 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries buy distribution transformers from South Africa?
Eswatini was the largest buyer with 39% of the value ($1.6 million), followed by Zambia (11%) and Namibia (11%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 43 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 179% on the year.
What is the average export price of distribution transformers per kg?
The average declared export value was about $20.85 per kg in 2024, 328% above the world average of $4.87 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of distribution transformers from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.9 million in 2017 to $4.0 million in 2024, an increase of 39%. The peak was 2022 at $6.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import distribution transformers?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for distribution transformers?
The HS code for distribution transformers is subheading 8504.32. 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 8504 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 transformers trade: top importers and exporters
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