Engine alternators and generators imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $33.7 million of engine alternators and generators in 2024 (2.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 41% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $33.7M | 2.8K t |
| 2023 | $23.9M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $23.8M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $26.2M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $18.5M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $23.1M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $22.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2017 | $23.4M | 1.5K t |
Where South Africa imports engine alternators and generators from
Most of the value came from Thailand (38%), China (26%), Germany (10%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+851% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $12.8M | 38% |
| China | $8.8M | 26% |
| Germany | $3.3M | 9.8% |
| Japan | $2.1M | 6.3% |
| United States | $1.6M | 4.6% |
| Spain | $1.3M | 3.7% |
| Mexico | $726K | 2.2% |
| India | $672K | 2% |
| Slovenia | $373K | 1.1% |
| Netherlands | $297K | 0.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.95 per kg, 23% below the world average of $15.62, 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.
Engine alternators and generators exports from South Africa
Exports of engine alternators and generators by South Africa reached $4.9 million in 2024 (310 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United Arab Emirates (17%), Mozambique (11%), Botswana (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 38%. Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+394% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $849K | 17% |
| Mozambique | $520K | 11% |
| Botswana | $480K | 9.9% |
| Namibia | $472K | 9.7% |
| Zambia | $397K | 8.2% |
| DR Congo | $307K | 6.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $290K | 6% |
| Germany | $210K | 4.3% |
| United States | $153K | 3.2% |
| Belgium | $137K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa engine alternators and generators imports (HS 8511.50): 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 8511.50: Ignition or starting equipment: generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines.
Common questions
What is the value of engine alternators and generators imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported engine alternators and generators worth $33.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 222 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 41% on 2023.
Which countries supply engine alternators and generators to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($12.8 million), followed by China (26%) and Germany (10%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 62 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 851% on the year.
What is the average import price of engine alternators and generators per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.95 per kg in 2024, 23% below the world average of $15.62 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of engine alternators and generators to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $23.4 million in 2017 to $33.7 million in 2024, an increase of 44%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $24.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export engine alternators and generators?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Arab Emirates, Mozambique and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $28.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for engine alternators and generators?
The HS code for engine alternators and generators is subheading 8511.50. 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 8511 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 engine alternators and generators trade: top importers and exporters
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