Heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes worth $172.1 million (34.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 115% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average.
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 | $172.1M | 34.7K t |
| 2023 | $80.2M | 8.7K t |
| 2022 | $89.1M | 11.2K t |
| 2021 | $108.7M | 13.3K t |
| 2020 | $65.6M | 9.5K t |
| 2019 | $97.9M | 13.2K t |
| 2018 | $116.8M | 15.0K t |
| 2017 | $53.0M | 6.2K t |
Where South Africa imports heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes from
The largest suppliers were Germany (35%), Japan (23%), China (16%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $60.2M | 35% |
| Japan | $40.0M | 23% |
| China | $27.2M | 16% |
| India | $17.6M | 10% |
| Netherlands | $12.6M | 7.3% |
| Spain | $5.1M | 3% |
| Brazil | $3.6M | 2.1% |
| Poland | $1.6M | 0.9% |
| Finland | $1.4M | 0.8% |
| Sweden | $1.1M | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.97 per kg, 30% below the world average of $7.05, 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.
Heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes worth $28.5 million (4.6 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (20%), Botswana (19%), Zambia (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+101% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $5.6M | 20% |
| Botswana | $5.5M | 19% |
| Zambia | $3.4M | 12% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.2M | 11% |
| Eswatini | $2.1M | 7.3% |
| Lesotho | $2.0M | 7% |
| Mozambique | $1.9M | 6.6% |
| Egypt | $1.3M | 4.6% |
| Malawi | $866K | 3% |
| Saudi Arabia | $765K | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes imports (HS 8704.23): 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 8704.23: Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 20 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1.
Common questions
What is the value of heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes worth $172.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 34.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 210 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 115% on 2023.
Which countries supply heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($60.2 million), followed by Japan (23%) and China (16%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 773% on the year.
What is the average import price of heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.97 per kg in 2024, 30% below the world average of $7.05 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $53.0 million in 2017 to $172.1 million in 2024, an increase of 225%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $97.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes?
Yes. South Africa exported $28.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $143.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes?
The HS code for heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes is subheading 8704.23. 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 8704 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 heavy diesel trucks >20 tonnes trade: top importers and exporters
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