Drawing instruments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of drawing instruments by South Africa reached $5.6 million in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $7.2 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 | $5.6M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $5.6M | 474 t |
| 2022 | $6.4M | 437 t |
| 2021 | $5.4M | 490 t |
| 2020 | $5.3M | 452 t |
| 2019 | $7.0M | 688 t |
| 2018 | $7.2M | 634 t |
| 2017 | $6.6M | 935 t |
Where South Africa imports drawing instruments from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 84% of the value. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.7M | 84% |
| India | $320K | 5.7% |
| Germany | $178K | 3.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $96K | 1.7% |
| Belgium | $62K | 1.1% |
| United Kingdom | $62K | 1.1% |
| United States | $50K | 0.9% |
| Turkey | $28K | 0.5% |
| South Korea | $21K | 0.4% |
| Taiwan | $21K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.54 per kg, 60% below the world average of $8.83, 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 instruments exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $849 thousand of drawing instruments in 2024 (124 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (28%), Eswatini (12%), Zambia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+66% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $239K | 28% |
| Eswatini | $104K | 12% |
| Zambia | $97K | 11% |
| United States | $96K | 11% |
| Zimbabwe | $82K | 9.6% |
| Botswana | $80K | 9.4% |
| Lesotho | $68K | 8% |
| Mozambique | $45K | 5.3% |
| Malawi | $10K | 1.1% |
| Angola | $8K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa drawing instruments imports (HS 9017.20): 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 9017.20: Drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments.
Common questions
What is the value of drawing instruments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported drawing instruments worth $5.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 215 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply drawing instruments to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 84% of the value ($4.7 million), followed by India (6%) and Germany (3%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 548% on the year.
What is the average import price of drawing instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.54 per kg in 2024, 60% below the world average of $8.83 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of drawing instruments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.6 million in 2017 to $5.6 million in 2024, a fall of 15%. The peak was 2018 at $7.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export drawing instruments?
Yes. South Africa exported $849 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Eswatini and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for drawing instruments?
The HS code for drawing instruments is subheading 9017.20. 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?
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 drawing instruments trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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