Insulating fittings imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported insulating fittings worth $37.3 million (2.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% 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 | $37.3M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $37.4M | 3.1K t |
| 2022 | $28.6M | 2.6K t |
| 2021 | $24.8M | 3.1K t |
| 2020 | $16.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $21.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2018 | $21.2M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $20.5M | 1.4K t |
Where South Africa imports insulating fittings from
Most of the value came from China (23%), United States (18%), Mexico (15%). Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+111% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.6M | 23% |
| United States | $6.6M | 18% |
| Mexico | $5.4M | 15% |
| Japan | $4.1M | 11% |
| Germany | $2.8M | 7.5% |
| Thailand | $1.7M | 4.5% |
| Czech Republic | $982K | 2.6% |
| Portugal | $942K | 2.5% |
| Belgium | $794K | 2.1% |
| Hungary | $568K | 1.5% |
Product types under HS 8547
| 8547.20 | Insulating fittings: of plastics, for electrical machines, of insulating material only (except minor assembly parts), excluding those of heading no.… | 87% |
| 8547.90 | Insulating fittings: (other than of ceramics or plastics), for electrical machines, appliances and equipment, excluding insulators of heading no. 8546 | 11% |
| 8547.10 | Insulating fittings: of ceramics, for electrical machines, of insulating material only (except minor assembly parts), excluding those of heading no.… | 2.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8547.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $17.82 per kg, close to the world average of $18.88.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Insulating fittings exports from South Africa
Exports of insulating fittings by South Africa reached $6.3 million in 2024 (730 tonnes). Most of it went to Switzerland (21%), Zimbabwe (14%), Mozambique (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $1.3M | 21% |
| Zimbabwe | $880K | 14% |
| Mozambique | $617K | 9.7% |
| Zambia | $564K | 8.9% |
| DR Congo | $557K | 8.8% |
| United Kingdom | $516K | 8.2% |
| Botswana | $452K | 7.1% |
| Namibia | $250K | 3.9% |
| Tanzania | $117K | 1.8% |
| Eswatini | $100K | 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 8547: Insulating fittings; for electrical machines, appliances, equipment, excluding insulators of heading no. 8546, electrical conduit tubing and joints therefore.
Common questions
What is the value of insulating fittings imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported insulating fittings worth $37.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 219 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply insulating fittings to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 23% of the value ($8.6 million), followed by the United States (18%) and Mexico (15%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 60 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 111% on the year.
What is the average import price of insulating fittings per kg?
The average declared import value was about $17.82 per kg in 2024, 6% below the world average of $18.88 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 insulating fittings to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $20.5 million in 2017 to $37.3 million in 2024, an increase of 82%. The peak was 2023 at $37.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export insulating fittings?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Switzerland, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $30.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for insulating fittings?
The HS code for insulating fittings is heading 8547. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8547.20 (87% of the value) and 8547.90 (11%). It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8547 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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