Electrical machinery imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported electrical machinery worth $156.5 million (3.5 thousand tonnes). That is 18% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $203.2 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 | $156.5M | 3.5K t |
| 2023 | $189.8M | 2.0K t |
| 2022 | $203.2M | 12.3K t |
| 2021 | $189.9M | 6.2K t |
| 2020 | $127.3M | 8.1K t |
| 2019 | $143.1M | 1.6K t |
| 2018 | $144.9M | 1.5K t |
| 2017 | $142.0M | 12.3K t |
Where South Africa imports electrical machinery from
Most of the value came from China (41%), United States (15%), Germany (10%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+44% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $64.2M | 41% |
| United States | $23.1M | 15% |
| Germany | $15.3M | 9.8% |
| United Kingdom | $6.1M | 3.9% |
| France | $5.4M | 3.4% |
| Philippines | $4.3M | 2.8% |
| Malaysia | $3.1M | 2% |
| Sweden | $3.0M | 1.9% |
| Japan | $2.8M | 1.8% |
| Taiwan | $2.4M | 1.5% |
Product types under HS 8543
| 8543.70 | Electrical machines and apparatus: having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, n.e.c. in heading no. 8543 | 82% |
| 8543.90 | Electrical machines and apparatus: parts of the electrical goods of heading no. 8543 | 14% |
| 8543.30 | Electrical machines and apparatus: for electroplating, electrolysis or electrophoresis | 2.2% |
| 8543.20 | Electrical machines and apparatus: signal generators | 1.5% |
| 8543.10 | Electrical machines and apparatus: particle accelerators | 1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8543.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $44.60 per kg, 40% below the world average of $74.10, 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.
Electrical machinery exports from South Africa
Exports of electrical machinery by South Africa reached $52.5 million in 2024 (857 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (14%), Sweden (12%), United States (6%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 32%. Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+236% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $7.1M | 14% |
| Sweden | $6.4M | 12% |
| United States | $3.0M | 5.8% |
| Botswana | $2.8M | 5.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | $2.1M | 4.1% |
| Zambia | $2.1M | 4% |
| DR Congo | $2.1M | 3.9% |
| Australia | $1.7M | 3.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.6M | 3.1% |
| Kenya | $1.5M | 2.9% |
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 8543: Electrical machines and apparatus; having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter.
Common questions
What is the value of electrical machinery imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported electrical machinery worth $156.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 18% on 2023.
Which countries supply electrical machinery to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($64.2 million), followed by the United States (15%) and Germany (10%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 111 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 141% on the year.
What is the average import price of electrical machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $44.60 per kg in 2024, 40% below the world average of $74.10 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 electrical machinery to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $142.0 million in 2017 to $156.5 million in 2024, an increase of 10%. The peak was 2022 at $203.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export electrical machinery?
Yes. South Africa exported $52.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Sweden and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $104.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for electrical machinery?
The HS code for electrical machinery is heading 8543. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8543.70 (82% of the value) and 8543.90 (14%). 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 8543 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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