Fruit and vegetable processing machinery imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported fruit and vegetable processing machinery worth $6.8 million (271 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 6% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $14.9 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 | $6.8M | 271 t |
| 2023 | $6.4M | 174 t |
| 2022 | $3.7M | 102 t |
| 2021 | $4.1M | 122 t |
| 2020 | $3.9M | 157 t |
| 2019 | $6.5M | 207 t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 91 t |
| 2017 | $14.9M | 412 t |
Where South Africa imports fruit and vegetable processing machinery from
The largest suppliers were United States (17%), China (15%), Switzerland (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 46%. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+50% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.2M | 17% |
| China | $1.0M | 15% |
| Switzerland | $969K | 14% |
| Italy | $850K | 13% |
| Slovakia | $792K | 12% |
| India | $605K | 8.9% |
| Kenya | $385K | 5.7% |
| Denmark | $326K | 4.8% |
| Netherlands | $306K | 4.5% |
| Germany | $131K | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $25.06 per kg, close to the world average of $25.55.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Fruit and vegetable processing machinery exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.2 million of fruit and vegetable processing machinery in 2024 (137 tonnes). Most of it went to United States (28%), Greece (11%), Malawi (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $902K | 28% |
| Greece | $343K | 11% |
| Malawi | $333K | 10% |
| Ghana | $314K | 9.8% |
| Tunisia | $290K | 9.1% |
| Kenya | $196K | 6.2% |
| Zambia | $178K | 5.6% |
| Mozambique | $169K | 5.3% |
| Namibia | $71K | 2.2% |
| Lesotho | $68K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa fruit and vegetable processing machinery imports (HS 8438.60): 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 8438.60: Machinery: industrial, for the preparation of fruits, nuts or vegetables.
Common questions
What is the value of fruit and vegetable processing machinery imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported fruit and vegetable processing machinery worth $6.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 271 tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 202 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply fruit and vegetable processing machinery to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 17% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by China (15%) and Switzerland (14%). The top three together account for 46%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 50% on the year.
What is the average import price of fruit and vegetable processing machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $25.06 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $25.55 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of fruit and vegetable processing machinery to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $14.9 million in 2017 to $6.8 million in 2024, a fall of 54%. The peak was 2017 at $14.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export fruit and vegetable processing machinery?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Greece and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for fruit and vegetable processing machinery?
The HS code for fruit and vegetable processing machinery is subheading 8438.60. 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?
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 fruit and vegetable processing machinery trade: top importers and exporters
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