Laboratory glassware (standard) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported laboratory glassware (standard) worth $3.6 million (446 tonnes). Value rose 15% on 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 | $3.6M | 446 t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 488 t |
| 2022 | $3.7M | 377 t |
| 2021 | $3.1M | 256 t |
| 2020 | $2.8M | 219 t |
| 2019 | $3.4M | 306 t |
| 2018 | $3.3M | 298 t |
| 2017 | $3.0M | 320 t |
Where South Africa imports laboratory glassware (standard) from
Most of the value came from China (25%), India (25%), Germany (17%). Among the main suppliers, Costa Rica grew fastest (+118% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $885K | 25% |
| India | $880K | 25% |
| Germany | $598K | 17% |
| United States | $572K | 16% |
| Japan | $134K | 3.8% |
| Netherlands | $118K | 3.3% |
| United Kingdom | $99K | 2.8% |
| Costa Rica | $57K | 1.6% |
| Greece | $37K | 1% |
| Denmark | $29K | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.00 per kg, 49% below the world average of $15.83, 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 (standard) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.3 million of laboratory glassware (standard) in 2024 (83 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (20%), Gambia (15%), Botswana (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Gambia grew fastest (+439% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $261K | 20% |
| Gambia | $188K | 15% |
| Botswana | $129K | 10% |
| Mozambique | $121K | 9.4% |
| DR Congo | $114K | 8.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $85K | 6.6% |
| Indonesia | $68K | 5.2% |
| Malawi | $50K | 3.9% |
| Zambia | $29K | 2.2% |
| Lesotho | $25K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa laboratory glassware (standard) imports (HS 7017.90): 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 7017.90: Glassware: laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, of glass n.e.c. in heading no. 7017.
Common questions
What is the value of laboratory glassware (standard) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported laboratory glassware (standard) worth $3.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 446 tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 212 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply laboratory glassware (standard) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($885 thousand), followed by India (25%) and Germany (17%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 49 supplier countries in total. Costa Rica grew fastest among the top ten, up 118% on the year.
What is the average import price of laboratory glassware (standard) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.00 per kg in 2024, 49% below the world average of $15.83 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of laboratory glassware (standard) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.0 million in 2017 to $3.6 million in 2024, an increase of 18%. The peak was 2022 at $3.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export laboratory glassware (standard)?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.3 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 $2.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for laboratory glassware (standard)?
The HS code for laboratory glassware (standard) is subheading 7017.90. 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World laboratory glassware (standard) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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