Floating structures exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported floating structures worth $4.5 million (291 tonnes). That is 16% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $7.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.5M | 291 t |
| 2023 | $5.4M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $7.2M | 664 t |
| 2021 | $2.8M | 261 t |
| 2020 | $5.6M | 290 t |
| 2019 | $4.7M | 434 t |
| 2018 | $3.2M | 116 t |
| 2017 | $3.6M | 600 t |
Where South Africa exports floating structures to
Most of it went to United States (20%), Mozambique (11%), Namibia (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 41%. Among the main buyer markets, Br. Virgin Isds grew fastest (+384% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $898K | 20% |
| Mozambique | $501K | 11% |
| Namibia | $428K | 9.5% |
| Br. Virgin Isds | $240K | 5.3% |
| DR Congo | $222K | 4.9% |
| Tanzania | $213K | 4.7% |
| Seychelles | $160K | 3.6% |
| Ghana | $157K | 3.5% |
| Singapore | $153K | 3.4% |
| France | $131K | 2.9% |
Product types under HS 8907
| 8907.10 | Rafts: inflatable | 51% |
| 8907.90 | Floating structures: tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and beacons | 49% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8907.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $15.46 per kg, 61% above the world average of $9.62. 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.
Floating structures imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $4.1 million of floating structures in 2024 (474 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Thailand (27%), United Kingdom (20%), Canada (10%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+191% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $1.1M | 27% |
| United Kingdom | $833K | 20% |
| Canada | $426K | 10% |
| China | $385K | 9.4% |
| United States | $248K | 6.1% |
| Namibia | $168K | 4.1% |
| France | $107K | 2.6% |
| Italy | $98K | 2.4% |
| Malaysia | $96K | 2.4% |
| Norway | $73K | 1.8% |
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 8907: Boats, floating structures, other (for e.g. rafts, tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and beacons).
Common questions
What is the value of floating structures exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported floating structures worth $4.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 291 tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 160 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy floating structures from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 20% of the value ($898 thousand), followed by Mozambique (11%) and Namibia (9%). The top three together account for 41%, out of 76 buyer countries in total. Br. Virgin Isds grew fastest among the top ten, up 384% on the year.
What is the average export price of floating structures per kg?
The average declared export value was about $15.46 per kg in 2024, 61% above the world average of $9.62 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 exports of floating structures from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.6 million in 2017 to $4.5 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. The peak was 2022 at $7.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import floating structures?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Thailand, the United Kingdom and Canada. That compares with exports of $4.5 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for floating structures?
The HS code for floating structures is heading 8907. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8907.10 (51% of the value) and 8907.90 (49%). It sits in HS chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8907 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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