Industrial trucks imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $14.7 million of industrial trucks in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 143% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% 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 | $14.7M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $6.1M | 405 t |
| 2022 | $4.6M | 300 t |
| 2021 | $4.1M | 317 t |
| 2020 | $4.9M | 497 t |
| 2019 | $4.9M | 356 t |
| 2018 | $5.5M | 612 t |
| 2017 | $5.4M | 490 t |
Where South Africa imports industrial trucks from
China alone supplied 62% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.1M | 62% |
| France | $1.6M | 11% |
| United States | $1.5M | 10% |
| Belgium | $1.3M | 8.5% |
| Netherlands | $282K | 1.9% |
| Germany | $268K | 1.8% |
| United Kingdom | $161K | 1.1% |
| Japan | $143K | 1% |
| Italy | $131K | 0.9% |
| Denmark | $101K | 0.7% |
Product types under HS 8709
| 8709.19 | Vehicles: (not electrical), self-propelled, without handling equipment, used for short distance transport of goods in factories, airports and such… | 82% |
| 8709.11 | Vehicles: electrical, self-propelled, (not fitted with lifting or handling equipment), of the type used for short distance transport of goods in… | 13% |
| 8709.90 | Vehicles: parts of the vehicles of heading no. 8709 | 5.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8709.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.02 per kg, close to the world average of $11.46.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Industrial trucks exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.0 million of industrial trucks in 2024 (260 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (37%), Mozambique (19%), Zambia (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Seychelles grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.1M | 37% |
| Mozambique | $575K | 19% |
| Zambia | $263K | 8.9% |
| Lesotho | $203K | 6.9% |
| Mexico | $163K | 5.5% |
| Seychelles | $138K | 4.6% |
| Ireland | $104K | 3.5% |
| Botswana | $68K | 2.3% |
| Germany | $57K | 1.9% |
| Kenya | $34K | 1.1% |
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 8709: Works trucks, self-propelled, (not fitted with lifting or handling equipment), for factories, warehouses etc, for short distance transport of goods, tractors used on railway station platforms; parts thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of industrial trucks imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported industrial trucks worth $14.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 212 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 143% on 2023.
Which countries supply industrial trucks to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 62% of the value ($9.1 million), followed by France (11%) and the United States (10%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 176% on the year.
What is the average import price of industrial trucks per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.02 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $11.46 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 trucks to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.4 million in 2017 to $14.7 million in 2024, an increase of 172%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export industrial trucks?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for industrial trucks?
The HS code for industrial trucks is heading 8709. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8709.19 (81% of the value) and 8709.11 (13%). 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 8709 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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