Laboratory glassware imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $6.1 million of laboratory glassware in 2024 (506 tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $6.1M | 506 t |
| 2023 | $6.2M | 551 t |
| 2022 | $5.9M | 441 t |
| 2021 | $5.3M | 321 t |
| 2020 | $4.4M | 275 t |
| 2019 | $5.3M | 381 t |
| 2018 | $5.5M | 376 t |
| 2017 | $5.0M | 436 t |
Where South Africa imports laboratory glassware from
Most of the value came from Germany (28%), United States (20%), India (16%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+47% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.7M | 28% |
| United States | $1.2M | 20% |
| India | $1.0M | 17% |
| China | $998K | 16% |
| Japan | $193K | 3.1% |
| United Kingdom | $152K | 2.5% |
| Switzerland | $141K | 2.3% |
| Netherlands | $131K | 2.1% |
| Czech Republic | $88K | 1.4% |
| Costa Rica | $58K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 7017
| 7017.90 | Glassware: laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, of glass n.e.c. in heading no. 7017 | 58% |
| 7017.20 | Glassware: laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, having a linear co-efficient of expansion not over 5 x 10… | 27% |
| 7017.10 | Glassware: laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, of fused quartz or other fused silica | 15% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7017.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.11 per kg, 41% below the world average of $20.37, 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 glassware exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported laboratory glassware worth $1.6 million (91 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (18%), Gambia (12%), Botswana (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 39%. Among the main buyer markets, Mali grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $279K | 18% |
| Gambia | $188K | 12% |
| Botswana | $150K | 9.5% |
| DR Congo | $147K | 9.3% |
| Mozambique | $141K | 8.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $102K | 6.4% |
| Indonesia | $68K | 4.3% |
| Malawi | $54K | 3.4% |
| Lesotho | $46K | 2.9% |
| Mali | $46K | 2.9% |
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 7017: Laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware, whether or not graduated or calibrated.
Common questions
What is the value of laboratory glassware imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported laboratory glassware worth $6.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 506 tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 214 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply laboratory glassware to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by the United States (20%) and India (16%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 59 supplier countries in total. Costa Rica grew fastest among the top ten, up 120% on the year.
What is the average import price of laboratory glassware per kg?
The average declared import value was about $12.11 per kg in 2024, 41% below the world average of $20.37 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 glassware to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.0 million in 2017 to $6.1 million in 2024, an increase of 22%. The peak was 2023 at $6.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export laboratory glassware?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, the Gambia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for laboratory glassware?
The HS code for laboratory glassware is heading 7017. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7017.90 (58% of the value) and 7017.20 (27%). It sits in HS chapter 70 (glass and glassware). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7017 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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