Food and beverage processing machinery (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported food and beverage processing machinery (other) worth $24.6 million (1.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 7% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $38.5 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 | $24.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $26.6M | 527 t |
| 2022 | $20.9M | 455 t |
| 2021 | $16.7M | 389 t |
| 2020 | $18.7M | 486 t |
| 2019 | $25.7M | 606 t |
| 2018 | $38.5M | 873 t |
| 2017 | $20.6M | 522 t |
Where South Africa imports food and beverage processing machinery (other) from
The largest suppliers were China (16%), Italy (15%), Spain (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 45%. Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+983% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.1M | 17% |
| Italy | $3.8M | 15% |
| Spain | $3.3M | 13% |
| United Kingdom | $3.2M | 13% |
| Netherlands | $2.4M | 9.7% |
| France | $1.9M | 7.8% |
| India | $1.8M | 7.3% |
| Germany | $1.5M | 6.2% |
| Turkey | $487K | 2% |
| United States | $419K | 1.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $21.85 per kg, 27% below the world average of $30.02, 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.
Food and beverage processing machinery (other) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported food and beverage processing machinery (other) worth $9.7 million (461 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (28%), Nigeria (14%), Malawi (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+106% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.7M | 28% |
| Nigeria | $1.4M | 14% |
| Malawi | $963K | 10% |
| Kenya | $758K | 7.8% |
| Benin | $702K | 7.3% |
| Zambia | $692K | 7.2% |
| Botswana | $533K | 5.5% |
| Namibia | $490K | 5.1% |
| United States | $195K | 2% |
| United Kingdom | $184K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa food and beverage processing machinery (other) imports (HS 8438.80): 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 8438.80: Machinery: used in the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, n.e.c. in heading no. 8438.
Common questions
What is the value of food and beverage processing machinery (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported food and beverage processing machinery (other) worth $24.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 212 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply food and beverage processing machinery (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 16% of the value ($4.1 million), followed by Italy (15%) and Spain (13%). The top three together account for 45%, out of 50 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 983% on the year.
What is the average import price of food and beverage processing machinery (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $21.85 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $30.02 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of food and beverage processing machinery (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $20.6 million in 2017 to $24.6 million in 2024, an increase of 19%. The peak was 2018 at $38.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $24.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export food and beverage processing machinery (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for food and beverage processing machinery (other)?
The HS code for food and beverage processing machinery (other) is subheading 8438.80. 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 8438 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 food and beverage processing machinery (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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