General cargo ships exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $6.8 million of general cargo ships in 2024 (3.3 thousand tonnes). That is 1289% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 22% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $73.0 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 | $6.8M | 3.3K t |
| 2023 | $492K | 658 t |
| 2022 | $73.0M | 14.6K t |
| 2021 | $8.5M | 4.4K t |
| 2020 | $1.5M | 4.1K t |
| 2019 | $4.6M | 216 t |
| 2018 | $4.4M | 62 t |
| 2017 | $1.7M | 42 t |
Where South Africa exports general cargo ships to
Estonia alone took 70% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Estonia | $4.8M | 70% |
| Mozambique | $484K | 7.1% |
| Tanzania | $471K | 6.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $367K | 5.4% |
| Egypt | $246K | 3.6% |
| Namibia | $179K | 2.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | $82K | 1.2% |
| Zambia | $67K | 1% |
| Nigeria | $57K | 0.8% |
| Netherlands | $57K | 0.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.08 per kg, close to the world average of $2.46.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
General cargo ships imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported general cargo ships worth $5.3 million (1.2 thousand tonnes). United States alone supplied 100% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $5.2M | 100% |
| Netherlands | $11K | 0.2% |
| Singapore | $10K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $1K | 0% |
| Thailand | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa general cargo ships exports (HS 8901.90): 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 8901.90: Vessels: n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods.
Common questions
What is the value of general cargo ships exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported general cargo ships worth $6.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 58th of 99 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports.
Which countries buy general cargo ships from South Africa?
Estonia was the largest buyer with 70% of the value ($4.8 million), followed by Mozambique (7%) and Tanzania (7%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 347% on the year.
What is the average export price of general cargo ships per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.08 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $2.46 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of general cargo ships from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.7 million in 2017 to $6.8 million in 2024, an increase of 310%. The peak was 2022 at $73.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import general cargo ships?
Yes. South Africa imported $5.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, the Netherlands and Singapore. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for general cargo ships?
The HS code for general cargo ships is subheading 8901.90. It sits in HS chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8901 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 general cargo ships trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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