Forklifts (internal combustion) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $113.2 million of forklifts (internal combustion) in 2024 (27.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 5% from 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 | $113.2M | 27.7K t |
| 2023 | $119.0M | 18.7K t |
| 2022 | $122.7M | 21.8K t |
| 2021 | $68.8M | 12.7K t |
| 2020 | $53.9M | 10.7K t |
| 2019 | $66.5M | 12.3K t |
| 2018 | $90.6M | 16.0K t |
| 2017 | $84.7M | 16.2K t |
Where South Africa imports forklifts (internal combustion) from
China alone supplied 54% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+449% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $61.3M | 54% |
| Japan | $16.3M | 14% |
| Italy | $10.8M | 9.6% |
| France | $4.5M | 4% |
| India | $4.3M | 3.8% |
| United Kingdom | $3.7M | 3.3% |
| South Korea | $2.9M | 2.6% |
| Netherlands | $2.7M | 2.4% |
| Ireland | $2.4M | 2.1% |
| Germany | $1.8M | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.09 per kg, 27% below the world average of $5.62, 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.
Forklifts (internal combustion) exports from South Africa
Exports of forklifts (internal combustion) by South Africa reached $14.7 million in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (16%), Zambia (13%), Botswana (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 38%. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+223% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.3M | 16% |
| Zambia | $1.8M | 13% |
| Botswana | $1.4M | 9.7% |
| DR Congo | $1.3M | 8.9% |
| Netherlands | $1.2M | 7.9% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 7.6% |
| Eswatini | $908K | 6.2% |
| Mozambique | $724K | 4.9% |
| Malawi | $654K | 4.4% |
| Brazil | $525K | 3.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa forklifts (internal combustion) imports (HS 8427.20): 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 8427.20: Fork-lift and other works trucks: fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor.
Common questions
What is the value of forklifts (internal combustion) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported forklifts (internal combustion) worth $113.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 27.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 217 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply forklifts (internal combustion) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 54% of the value ($61.3 million), followed by Japan (14%) and Italy (10%). The top three together account for 78%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 449% on the year.
What is the average import price of forklifts (internal combustion) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.09 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $5.62 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of forklifts (internal combustion) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $84.7 million in 2017 to $113.2 million in 2024, an increase of 34%. The peak was 2022 at $122.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $89.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export forklifts (internal combustion)?
Yes. South Africa exported $14.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $98.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for forklifts (internal combustion)?
The HS code for forklifts (internal combustion) is subheading 8427.20. 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 8427 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 forklifts (internal combustion) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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