General cargo trailers exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $74.9 million of general cargo trailers in 2024 (18.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 40% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $125.7 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 | $74.9M | 18.1K t |
| 2023 | $125.7M | 29.4K t |
| 2022 | $104.8M | 31.2K t |
| 2021 | $72.4M | 23.1K t |
| 2020 | $64.7M | 20.3K t |
| 2019 | $55.2M | 15.1K t |
| 2018 | $55.8M | 14.7K t |
| 2017 | $40.0M | 12.1K t |
Where South Africa exports general cargo trailers to
The largest buyer markets were Zambia (30%), Zimbabwe (17%), Mozambique (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+146% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $22.8M | 30% |
| Zimbabwe | $13.1M | 18% |
| Mozambique | $11.7M | 16% |
| Namibia | $9.8M | 13% |
| Botswana | $4.7M | 6.3% |
| United States | $2.4M | 3.2% |
| Eswatini | $2.2M | 3% |
| Uruguay | $1.5M | 2% |
| Malawi | $1.3M | 1.8% |
| Tanzania | $1.1M | 1.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.14 per kg, close to the world average of $3.89.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
General cargo trailers imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $10.0 million of general cargo trailers in 2024 (2.2 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (30%), Germany (19%), Luxembourg (11%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.0M | 30% |
| Germany | $1.9M | 19% |
| Luxembourg | $1.1M | 11% |
| United States | $885K | 8.8% |
| Tanzania | $794K | 7.9% |
| India | $778K | 7.8% |
| Italy | $470K | 4.7% |
| Lesotho | $326K | 3.3% |
| France | $272K | 2.7% |
| United Kingdom | $134K | 1.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa general cargo trailers exports (HS 8716.39): 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 8716.39: Trailers and semi-trailers: (other than tanker type).
Common questions
What is the value of general cargo trailers exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported general cargo trailers worth $74.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 18.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 149 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 40% on 2023.
Which countries buy general cargo trailers from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 30% of the value ($22.8 million), followed by Zimbabwe (17%) and Mozambique (16%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 39 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 146% on the year.
What is the average export price of general cargo trailers per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.14 per kg in 2024, 6% above the world average of $3.89 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of general cargo trailers from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $40.0 million in 2017 to $74.9 million in 2024, an increase of 87%. The peak was 2023 at $125.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $74.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import general cargo trailers?
Yes. South Africa imported $10.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and Luxembourg. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $64.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for general cargo trailers?
The HS code for general cargo trailers is subheading 8716.39. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8716 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 general cargo trailers trade: top importers and exporters
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