Evaporative coolers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported evaporative coolers worth $12.1 million (625 tonnes). Value fell 5% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $17.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $12.1M | 625 t |
| 2023 | $12.8M | 716 t |
| 2022 | $10.2M | 680 t |
| 2021 | $12.7M | 843 t |
| 2020 | $10.7M | 671 t |
| 2019 | $17.2M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $9.1M | 579 t |
| 2017 | $12.6M | 881 t |
Where South Africa imports evaporative coolers from
Most of the value came from Italy (50%), China (25%), Turkey (12%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+201% on the year before).
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $19.41 per kg, 27% above the world average of $15.26. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Evaporative coolers exports from South Africa
Exports of evaporative coolers by South Africa reached $2.3 million in 2024 (143 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (17%), DR Congo (14%), Zambia (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+60% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $395K | 17% |
| DR Congo | $310K | 14% |
| Zambia | $268K | 12% |
| Eswatini | $171K | 7.5% |
| Lesotho | $134K | 5.9% |
| Mozambique | $116K | 5.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $106K | 4.6% |
| Kenya | $90K | 3.9% |
| Angola | $80K | 3.5% |
| Namibia | $76K | 3.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa evaporative coolers imports (HS 8415.83): 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 8415.83: Air conditioning machines: containing a motor driven fan, other than window or wall types, not incorporating a refrigerating unit.
Common questions
What is the value of evaporative coolers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported evaporative coolers worth $12.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 625 tonnes. That ranks it 55th of 212 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply evaporative coolers to South Africa?
Italy was the largest supplier with 50% of the value ($6.0 million), followed by China (25%) and Turkey (12%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 36 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 201% on the year.
What is the average import price of evaporative coolers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $19.41 per kg in 2024, 27% above the world average of $15.26 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of evaporative coolers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.6 million in 2017 to $12.1 million in 2024, a fall of 4%. The peak was 2019 at $17.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export evaporative coolers?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, the DR Congo and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $9.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for evaporative coolers?
The HS code for evaporative coolers is subheading 8415.83. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8415 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World evaporative coolers trade: top importers and exporters
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