Industrial diesel engines imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported industrial diesel engines worth $180.3 million (9.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 31% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $262.6 million.
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 | $180.3M | 9.8K t |
| 2023 | $262.6M | 15.2K t |
| 2022 | $175.4M | 10.7K t |
| 2021 | $125.4M | 7.6K t |
| 2020 | $101.8M | 14.3K t |
| 2019 | $113.1M | 7.3K t |
| 2018 | $101.9M | 6.8K t |
| 2017 | $130.0M | 8.7K t |
Where South Africa imports industrial diesel engines from
The largest suppliers were United States (23%), China (20%), India (11%). Among the main suppliers, Zambia grew fastest (+866% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $40.7M | 23% |
| China | $36.0M | 20% |
| India | $20.0M | 11% |
| Sweden | $17.0M | 9.5% |
| United Kingdom | $14.5M | 8% |
| Germany | $12.9M | 7.2% |
| France | $12.4M | 6.9% |
| Zambia | $7.3M | 4.1% |
| Italy | $6.4M | 3.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $3.9M | 2.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $18.50 per kg, 38% above the world average of $13.37. 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 diesel engines exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported industrial diesel engines worth $50.7 million (3.0 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Mozambique (24%), Zambia (22%), DR Congo (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Guinea grew fastest (+613% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $12.2M | 24% |
| Zambia | $11.3M | 22% |
| DR Congo | $7.0M | 14% |
| Namibia | $3.6M | 7.1% |
| Angola | $2.6M | 5.2% |
| Botswana | $2.5M | 4.9% |
| Guinea | $1.5M | 2.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.2M | 2.5% |
| Liberia | $1.2M | 2.4% |
| United States | $942K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa industrial diesel engines imports (HS 8408.90): 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 8408.90: Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of chapter 87.
Common questions
What is the value of industrial diesel engines imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported industrial diesel engines worth $180.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 208 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 31% on 2023.
Which countries supply industrial diesel engines to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 23% of the value ($40.7 million), followed by China (20%) and India (11%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 50 supplier countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 866% on the year.
What is the average import price of industrial diesel engines per kg?
The average declared import value was about $18.50 per kg in 2024, 38% above the world average of $13.37 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of industrial diesel engines to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $130.0 million in 2017 to $180.3 million in 2024, an increase of 39%. The peak was 2023 at $262.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $148.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export industrial diesel engines?
Yes. South Africa exported $50.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Zambia and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $129.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for industrial diesel engines?
The HS code for industrial diesel engines is subheading 8408.90. 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 8408 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 industrial diesel engines trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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