Laboratory balances imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $2.7 million of laboratory balances in 2024 (72 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 6% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $2.7M | 72 t |
| 2023 | $2.5M | 78 t |
| 2022 | $2.9M | 125 t |
| 2021 | $2.2M | 102 t |
| 2020 | $1.5M | 56 t |
| 2019 | $2.6M | 87 t |
| 2018 | $3.2M | 87 t |
| 2017 | $2.5M | 102 t |
Where South Africa imports laboratory balances from
Most of the value came from China (32%), Japan (19%), Switzerland (16%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+119% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $844K | 32% |
| Japan | $507K | 19% |
| Switzerland | $423K | 16% |
| Poland | $293K | 11% |
| Germany | $289K | 11% |
| United States | $53K | 2% |
| Netherlands | $44K | 1.7% |
| Norway | $36K | 1.4% |
| Mauritius | $30K | 1.1% |
| Philippines | $27K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $36.90 per kg, 66% below the world average of $110.07, 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.
Laboratory balances exports from South Africa
Exports of laboratory balances by South Africa reached $574 thousand in 2024 (15 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (25%), Tanzania (12%), Germany (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $144K | 25% |
| Tanzania | $68K | 12% |
| Germany | $56K | 9.7% |
| Angola | $48K | 8.4% |
| Botswana | $41K | 7.2% |
| Eswatini | $27K | 4.8% |
| Mozambique | $27K | 4.7% |
| Namibia | $26K | 4.6% |
| Zambia | $20K | 3.6% |
| DR Congo | $20K | 3.5% |
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 9016: Balances; of a sensitivity of 5cg or better, with or without weights.
Common questions
What is the value of laboratory balances imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported laboratory balances worth $2.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 72 tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 198 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply laboratory balances to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($844 thousand), followed by Japan (19%) and Switzerland (16%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 119% on the year.
What is the average import price of laboratory balances per kg?
The average declared import value was about $36.90 per kg in 2024, 66% below the world average of $110.07 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 laboratory balances to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.5 million in 2017 to $2.7 million in 2024, an increase of 6%. The peak was 2018 at $3.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export laboratory balances?
Yes. South Africa exported $574 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for laboratory balances?
The HS code for laboratory balances is heading 9016. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 9016.00. It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9016 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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