Insulators (other materials) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $7.1 million of insulators (other materials) in 2024 (972 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $10.6 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 | $7.1M | 972 t |
| 2023 | $7.1M | 828 t |
| 2022 | $6.7M | 991 t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 849 t |
| 2020 | $5.1M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $8.5M | 1.5K t |
| 2018 | $9.1M | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $10.6M | 2.8K t |
Where South Africa imports insulators (other materials) from
The largest suppliers were China (48%), India (10%), Italy (9%). Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+403% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.4M | 48% |
| India | $677K | 9.5% |
| Italy | $628K | 8.9% |
| France | $393K | 5.5% |
| United Kingdom | $350K | 4.9% |
| Switzerland | $322K | 4.5% |
| Germany | $267K | 3.8% |
| Singapore | $215K | 3% |
| United States | $145K | 2% |
| Belgium | $141K | 2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.31 per kg, 42% below the world average of $12.56, 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.
Insulators (other materials) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $6.4 million of insulators (other materials) in 2024 (790 tonnes). Most of it went to Germany (14%), Poland (13%), United States (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 36%. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $867K | 14% |
| Poland | $832K | 13% |
| United States | $640K | 10% |
| Namibia | $597K | 9.3% |
| Australia | $562K | 8.8% |
| Botswana | $456K | 7.1% |
| DR Congo | $369K | 5.8% |
| Zambia | $312K | 4.9% |
| Cyprus | $280K | 4.4% |
| Mozambique | $202K | 3.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa insulators (other materials) imports (HS 8546.90): 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 8546.90: Electrical insulators: other than of glass and ceramics.
Common questions
What is the value of insulators (other materials) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported insulators (other materials) worth $7.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 972 tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply insulators (other materials) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 48% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by India (10%) and Italy (9%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 403% on the year.
What is the average import price of insulators (other materials) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.31 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $12.56 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of insulators (other materials) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.6 million in 2017 to $7.1 million in 2024, a fall of 33%. The peak was 2017 at $10.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export insulators (other materials)?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Poland and the United States. That compares with imports of $7.1 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for insulators (other materials)?
The HS code for insulators (other materials) is subheading 8546.90. 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 8546 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 insulators (other materials) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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