Industrial boilers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of industrial boilers by South Africa reached $26.0 million in 2024 (2.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 181% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 21% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2020, at $144.5 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 | $26.0M | 2.9K t |
| 2023 | $9.3M | 1.0K t |
| 2022 | $102.7M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $31.2M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $144.5M | 2.4K t |
| 2019 | $17.9M | 1.8K t |
| 2018 | $11.3M | 979 t |
| 2017 | $6.7M | 756 t |
Where South Africa imports industrial boilers from
Most of the value came from China (23%), Thailand (22%), Italy (22%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.9M | 23% |
| Thailand | $5.8M | 22% |
| Italy | $5.8M | 22% |
| Vietnam | $1.8M | 6.7% |
| Finland | $1.7M | 6.4% |
| India | $1.6M | 6.2% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 4.9% |
| United States | $1.1M | 4.4% |
| United Kingdom | $282K | 1.1% |
| Belgium | $187K | 0.7% |
Product types under HS 8402
| 8402.90 | Boilers: parts of steam or other vapour generating boilers | 35% |
| 8402.12 | Boilers: watertube boilers with a steam production not exceeding 45t per hour | 35% |
| 8402.19 | Boilers: vapour generating boilers, including hybrid boilers n.e.c. in heading no. 8402 | 30% |
| 8402.20 | Boilers: super-heated water boilers | 0.3% |
| 8402.11 | Boilers: watertube boilers with a steam production exceeding 45t per hour | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8402.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.08 per kg, 21% above the world average of $7.49. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Industrial boilers exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported industrial boilers worth $14.3 million (4.1 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Indonesia (37%), Zimbabwe (19%), Philippines (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Philippines grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $5.3M | 37% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.7M | 19% |
| Philippines | $1.6M | 11% |
| Zambia | $1.0M | 7.1% |
| United States | $585K | 4.1% |
| Kenya | $530K | 3.7% |
| Tanzania | $513K | 3.6% |
| Malawi | $391K | 2.7% |
| Eswatini | $240K | 1.7% |
| Vanuatu | $227K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 8402: Boilers; steam or other vapour generating (other than central heating hot water boilers, capable also of producing low pressure steam), super heated water boilers.
Common questions
What is the value of industrial boilers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported industrial boilers worth $26.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 210 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 181% on 2023.
Which countries supply industrial boilers to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 23% of the value ($5.9 million), followed by Thailand (22%) and Italy (22%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 474% on the year.
What is the average import price of industrial boilers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.08 per kg in 2024, 21% above the world average of $7.49 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of industrial boilers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.7 million in 2017 to $26.0 million in 2024, an increase of 289%. The peak was 2020 at $144.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export industrial boilers?
Yes. South Africa exported $14.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Indonesia, Zimbabwe and the Philippines. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for industrial boilers?
The HS code for industrial boilers is heading 8402. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8402.90 (35% of the value) and 8402.12 (34%). 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 8402 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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