Food preparation equipment imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $44.1 million of food preparation equipment in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 17% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $56.2 million.
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 | $44.1M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $52.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $56.2M | 1.6K t |
| 2021 | $35.7M | 999 t |
| 2020 | $22.7M | 660 t |
| 2019 | $39.0M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $39.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $37.1M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports food preparation equipment from
Most of the value came from United States (27%), China (25%), Italy (14%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+74% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $11.9M | 27% |
| China | $10.8M | 25% |
| Italy | $6.0M | 14% |
| Germany | $5.4M | 12% |
| Argentina | $4.2M | 9.6% |
| Switzerland | $1.6M | 3.6% |
| France | $664K | 1.5% |
| Spain | $654K | 1.5% |
| Netherlands | $509K | 1.2% |
| Brazil | $501K | 1.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $21.33 per kg, 35% below the world average of $33.05, 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 preparation equipment exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported food preparation equipment worth $10.0 million (284 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (14%), Zambia (14%), United States (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 41%. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+285% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.4M | 14% |
| Zambia | $1.4M | 14% |
| United States | $1.3M | 13% |
| Nigeria | $1.1M | 11% |
| Botswana | $651K | 6.5% |
| Lesotho | $392K | 3.9% |
| Namibia | $379K | 3.8% |
| DR Congo | $319K | 3.2% |
| Malawi | $279K | 2.8% |
| India | $236K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa food preparation equipment imports (HS 8419.81): 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 8419.81: Machinery, plant and equipment: for making hot drinks, for cooking or heating food.
Common questions
What is the value of food preparation equipment imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported food preparation equipment worth $44.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 218 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply food preparation equipment to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($11.9 million), followed by China (25%) and Italy (14%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 45 supplier countries in total. Brazil grew fastest among the top ten, up 253% on the year.
What is the average import price of food preparation equipment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $21.33 per kg in 2024, 35% below the world average of $33.05 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 preparation equipment to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $37.1 million in 2017 to $44.1 million in 2024, an increase of 19%. The peak was 2022 at $56.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $41.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export food preparation equipment?
Yes. South Africa exported $10.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $34.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for food preparation equipment?
The HS code for food preparation equipment is subheading 8419.81. 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 8419 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World food preparation equipment trade: top importers and exporters
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