Flexographic printing machines imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of flexographic printing machines by South Africa reached $24.0 million in 2024 (816 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 16% more than in 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 | $24.0M | 816 t |
| 2023 | $20.6M | 829 t |
| 2022 | $10.5M | 468 t |
| 2021 | $22.6M | 870 t |
| 2020 | $8.5M | 267 t |
| 2019 | $22.3M | 834 t |
| 2018 | $18.8M | 595 t |
| 2017 | $17.1M | 655 t |
Where South Africa imports flexographic printing machines from
Most of the value came from Germany (26%), Italy (17%), Spain (14%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+541% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $6.1M | 26% |
| Italy | $4.0M | 17% |
| Spain | $3.3M | 14% |
| Netherlands | $2.5M | 10% |
| Czech Republic | $2.3M | 9.6% |
| China | $2.0M | 8.3% |
| Denmark | $1.6M | 6.5% |
| India | $821K | 3.4% |
| Taiwan | $716K | 3% |
| United Kingdom | $500K | 2.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $29.43 per kg, 94% above the world average of $15.16. 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.
Flexographic printing machines exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported flexographic printing machines worth $1.3 million (56 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 76% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+180% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $978K | 76% |
| United Arab Emirates | $189K | 15% |
| United Kingdom | $33K | 2.5% |
| Mozambique | $25K | 1.9% |
| New Zealand | $15K | 1.2% |
| Namibia | $12K | 0.9% |
| Malawi | $12K | 0.9% |
| Lesotho | $5K | 0.4% |
| Botswana | $5K | 0.4% |
| Eswatini | $5K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa flexographic printing machines imports (HS 8443.16): 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 8443.16: Printing machinery: flexographic.
Common questions
What is the value of flexographic printing machines imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported flexographic printing machines worth $24.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 816 tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 158 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply flexographic printing machines to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($6.1 million), followed by Italy (17%) and Spain (14%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 541% on the year.
What is the average import price of flexographic printing machines per kg?
The average declared import value was about $29.43 per kg in 2024, 94% above the world average of $15.16 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of flexographic printing machines to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.1 million in 2017 to $24.0 million in 2024, an increase of 40%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $18.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export flexographic printing machines?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $22.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for flexographic printing machines?
The HS code for flexographic printing machines is subheading 8443.16. 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 8443 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 flexographic printing machines trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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