Electric space heating systems imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported electric space heating systems worth $13.8 million (2.3 thousand tonnes). That is 22% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $25.4 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 | $13.8M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $17.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $15.4M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $25.4M | 1.9K t |
| 2020 | $13.6M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $13.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $14.4M | 970 t |
| 2017 | $10.6M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports electric space heating systems from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 59% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+100% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.1M | 59% |
| Thailand | $3.3M | 24% |
| Vietnam | $1.1M | 7.8% |
| Germany | $501K | 3.6% |
| India | $140K | 1% |
| Poland | $120K | 0.9% |
| Finland | $88K | 0.6% |
| United States | $85K | 0.6% |
| Turkey | $72K | 0.5% |
| Malaysia | $67K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.97 per kg, 38% below the world average of $9.67, 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 space heating systems exports from South Africa
Exports of electric space heating systems by South Africa reached $1.7 million in 2024 (145 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Lesotho (18%), Namibia (14%), Eswatini (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Senegal grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $306K | 18% |
| Namibia | $238K | 14% |
| Eswatini | $199K | 12% |
| United States | $146K | 8.7% |
| Botswana | $142K | 8.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $112K | 6.8% |
| Mozambique | $103K | 6.2% |
| Zambia | $69K | 4.2% |
| Australia | $68K | 4.1% |
| Senegal | $53K | 3.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa electric space heating systems imports (HS 8516.29): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 8516.29: Heating apparatus: electric soil heating apparatus and space heating apparatus (excluding storage heating radiators).
Common questions
What is the value of electric space heating systems imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported electric space heating systems worth $13.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 209 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply electric space heating systems to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 59% of the value ($8.1 million), followed by Thailand (24%) and Vietnam (8%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 50 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 234% on the year.
What is the average import price of electric space heating systems per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.97 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $9.67 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of electric space heating systems to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.6 million in 2017 to $13.8 million in 2024, an increase of 30%. The peak was 2021 at $25.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export electric space heating systems?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini. 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 space heating systems?
The HS code for electric space heating systems is subheading 8516.29. 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 8516 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 space heating systems trade: top importers and exporters
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