Electric motorcycles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported electric motorcycles worth $12.7 million (847 tonnes). Value fell 24% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 24% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $17.9 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 | $12.7M | 847 t |
| 2023 | $16.7M | 402 t |
| 2022 | $17.9M | 523 t |
| 2021 | $10.9M | 362 t |
| 2020 | $8.9M | 301 t |
| 2019 | $7.2M | 269 t |
| 2018 | $5.0M | 132 t |
| 2017 | $2.8M | 103 t |
Where South Africa imports electric motorcycles from
Most of the value came from Taiwan (41%), China (40%), Spain (8%). Among the main suppliers, Vietnam grew fastest (+884% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | $5.2M | 41% |
| China | $5.1M | 40% |
| Spain | $1.0M | 7.9% |
| Vietnam | $344K | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $292K | 2.3% |
| Germany | $285K | 2.3% |
| India | $207K | 1.6% |
| Austria | $73K | 0.6% |
| United States | $69K | 0.5% |
| Bulgaria | $58K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.97 per kg, 35% below the world average of $23.14, 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 motorcycles exports from South Africa
Exports of electric motorcycles by South Africa reached $476 thousand in 2024 (15 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Lesotho (23%), Namibia (14%), Belgium (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%. Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $110K | 23% |
| Namibia | $65K | 14% |
| Belgium | $55K | 12% |
| Botswana | $46K | 9.7% |
| Zambia | $45K | 9.4% |
| Mauritius | $43K | 9% |
| Zimbabwe | $23K | 4.9% |
| DR Congo | $15K | 3.2% |
| United Kingdom | $14K | 3% |
| Eswatini | $13K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa electric motorcycles imports (HS 8711.60): 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 8711.60: Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles: fitted with auxiliary motor, with electric motor for propulsion, with or without side-cars: side-cars.
Common questions
What is the value of electric motorcycles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported electric motorcycles worth $12.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 847 tonnes. That ranks it 57th of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply electric motorcycles to South Africa?
Taiwan was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($5.2 million), followed by China (40%) and Spain (8%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 884% on the year.
What is the average import price of electric motorcycles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $14.97 per kg in 2024, 35% below the world average of $23.14 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of electric motorcycles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.8 million in 2017 to $12.7 million in 2024, an increase of 357%. The peak was 2022 at $17.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export electric motorcycles?
Yes. South Africa exported $476 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Namibia and Belgium. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $12.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for electric motorcycles?
The HS code for electric motorcycles is subheading 8711.60. 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 8711 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 electric motorcycles trade: top importers and exporters
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