Drawing and measuring instruments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of drawing and measuring instruments by South Africa reached $14.4 million in 2024 (2.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $18.6 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 | $14.4M | 2.4K t |
| 2023 | $14.3M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $16.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $15.4M | 1.0K t |
| 2020 | $12.1M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $15.0M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $16.4M | 3.4K t |
| 2017 | $18.6M | 2.5K t |
Where South Africa imports drawing and measuring instruments from
China alone supplied 70% of it. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+50% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $10.1M | 70% |
| United States | $712K | 4.9% |
| India | $621K | 4.3% |
| Thailand | $565K | 3.9% |
| United Kingdom | $539K | 3.7% |
| Germany | $413K | 2.9% |
| Japan | $388K | 2.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $101K | 0.7% |
| France | $100K | 0.7% |
| Taiwan | $79K | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 9017
| 9017.20 | Drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments | 39% |
| 9017.80 | Mathematical instruments and equipment: n.e.c. in heading no. 9017 | 31% |
| 9017.30 | Mathematical equipment: micrometers, callipers and gauges | 26% |
| 9017.90 | Drawing, marking-out equipment and mathematical instruments: parts and accessories | 2.5% |
| 9017.10 | Drafting tables and machines: whether or not automatic | 1.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9017.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.94 per kg, 49% below the world average of $11.58, 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.
Drawing and measuring instruments exports from South Africa
Exports of drawing and measuring instruments by South Africa reached $5.2 million in 2024 (451 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (16%), Malawi (11%), Netherlands (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 37%. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+195% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $821K | 16% |
| Malawi | $564K | 11% |
| Netherlands | $551K | 11% |
| Botswana | $486K | 9.3% |
| Zambia | $427K | 8.2% |
| United States | $406K | 7.8% |
| Eswatini | $334K | 6.4% |
| Mozambique | $197K | 3.8% |
| Lesotho | $183K | 3.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $182K | 3.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 9017: Drawing, marking-out, mathematical calculating instruments (drafting machines, protractors, drawing sets etc); instruments for measuring length (e.g. measuring rods, tapes, micrometers, callipers) n.e.c..
Common questions
What is the value of drawing and measuring instruments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported drawing and measuring instruments worth $14.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 221 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply drawing and measuring instruments to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 70% of the value ($10.1 million), followed by the United States (5%) and India (4%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 78 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 147% on the year.
What is the average import price of drawing and measuring instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.94 per kg in 2024, 49% below the world average of $11.58 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of drawing and measuring instruments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $18.6 million in 2017 to $14.4 million in 2024, a fall of 22%. The peak was 2017 at $18.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export drawing and measuring instruments?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Malawi and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $9.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for drawing and measuring instruments?
The HS code for drawing and measuring instruments is heading 9017. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9017.20 (39% of the value) and 9017.80 (31%). It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9017 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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