Industrial robots imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported industrial robots worth $19.0 million (1.1 thousand tonnes). That is 28% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $44.4 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 | $19.0M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $26.2M | 9.9K t |
| 2022 | $25.0M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $44.4M | 699 t |
| 2020 | $18.4M | 3.0K t |
| 2019 | $40.4M | 639 t |
| 2018 | $39.7M | 597 t |
| 2017 | $30.5M | 558 t |
Where South Africa imports industrial robots from
Most of the value came from Japan (33%), Germany (14%), United States (7%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+258% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $6.2M | 33% |
| Germany | $2.6M | 14% |
| United States | $1.3M | 6.9% |
| China | $1.2M | 6.4% |
| Italy | $1.2M | 6.1% |
| Sweden | $737K | 3.9% |
| Singapore | $694K | 3.7% |
| Austria | $641K | 3.4% |
| United Kingdom | $521K | 2.7% |
| Slovenia | $483K | 2.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $17.85 per kg, 38% below the world average of $28.82, 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.
Industrial robots exports from South Africa
Exports of industrial robots by South Africa reached $1.8 million in 2024 (134 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Malaysia (22%), Botswana (11%), Australia (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $397K | 22% |
| Botswana | $197K | 11% |
| Australia | $167K | 9.4% |
| Denmark | $153K | 8.6% |
| Zambia | $133K | 7.4% |
| Mauritius | $86K | 4.8% |
| Netherlands | $83K | 4.6% |
| Angola | $80K | 4.5% |
| Germany | $77K | 4.3% |
| United Kingdom | $65K | 3.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa industrial robots imports (HS 8479.50): 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 8479.50: Machinery and mechanical appliances: industrial robots, n.e.c. or included.
Common questions
What is the value of industrial robots imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported industrial robots worth $19.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 176 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 28% on 2023.
Which countries supply industrial robots to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($6.2 million), followed by Germany (14%) and the United States (7%). The top three together account for 53%, out of 37 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 258% on the year.
What is the average import price of industrial robots per kg?
The average declared import value was about $17.85 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $28.82 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of industrial robots to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $30.5 million in 2017 to $19.0 million in 2024, a fall of 38%. The peak was 2021 at $44.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $30.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export industrial robots?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Malaysia, Botswana and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for industrial robots?
The HS code for industrial robots is subheading 8479.50. 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 8479 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
More trade data for South Africa
- Specialized machinery (other types)
- Specialized machinery parts
- Industrial mixing and homogenizing machines
- Construction and public works machinery
- Oil extraction and pressing machinery
- Evaporative air coolers
- Rope and cable making machines
- Metal treating and winding machinery
- All South Africa trade data
- HS 8479 codes
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