Electric buses imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported electric buses worth $2.2 million (257 tonnes). Value rose 16067% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 279% a year on average.
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 | $2.2M | 257 t |
| 2023 | $14K | 1 t |
| 2022 | $490K | 20 t |
| 2020 | $18K | 5 t |
| 2019 | $75K | 5 t |
| 2018 | $41K | 2 t |
| 2017 | $0K | - |
Where South Africa imports electric buses from
China alone supplied 90% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.0M | 90% |
| India | $233K | 11% |
| Denmark | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.68 per kg, 63% below the world average of $23.68, 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.
Electric buses exports from South Africa
Exports of electric buses by South Africa reached $1.3 million in 2024 (56 tonnes). Most of it went to Belgium (47%), India (20%), Botswana (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+895% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $603K | 47% |
| India | $251K | 20% |
| Botswana | $129K | 10% |
| Mozambique | $126K | 9.9% |
| Zambia | $65K | 5.1% |
| Eswatini | $65K | 5.1% |
| Lesotho | $38K | 3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa electric buses imports (HS 8702.40): 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 8702.40: Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only electric motor for propulsion, new or used.
Common questions
What is the value of electric buses imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported electric buses worth $2.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 257 tonnes. That ranks it 71st of 140 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports.
Which countries supply electric buses to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 90% of the value ($2.0 million), followed by India (10%) and Denmark (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 3 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of electric buses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.68 per kg in 2024, 63% below the world average of $23.68 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of electric buses to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $0 thousand in 2017 to $2.2 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 7 years the average was $410 thousand a year.
Does South Africa also export electric buses?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Belgium, India and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $956 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for electric buses?
The HS code for electric buses is subheading 8702.40. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8702 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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