Large dry transformers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported large dry transformers worth $15.5 million (1.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 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 | $15.5M | 1.9K t |
| 2023 | $15.2M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $7.6M | 1.0K t |
| 2021 | $7.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $7.7M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $10.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2018 | $14.6M | 759 t |
| 2017 | $15.9M | 2.5K t |
Where South Africa imports large dry transformers from
Most of the value came from China (34%), South Korea (23%), Germany (12%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.2M | 34% |
| South Korea | $3.6M | 23% |
| Germany | $1.8M | 12% |
| Italy | $1.7M | 11% |
| Spain | $1.5M | 9.6% |
| Norway | $748K | 4.8% |
| Sweden | $371K | 2.4% |
| United Kingdom | $111K | 0.7% |
| France | $110K | 0.7% |
| Turkey | $95K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.13 per kg, close to the world average of $8.21.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Large dry transformers exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported large dry transformers worth $12.1 million (1.3 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (22%), Namibia (22%), Mozambique (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+451% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.7M | 22% |
| Namibia | $2.6M | 22% |
| Mozambique | $1.8M | 15% |
| DR Congo | $1.3M | 11% |
| Zambia | $1.0M | 8.6% |
| Eswatini | $600K | 5% |
| Lesotho | $372K | 3.1% |
| Botswana | $363K | 3% |
| Ghana | $327K | 2.7% |
| Senegal | $265K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa large dry transformers imports (HS 8504.34): 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 8504.34: Transformers: n.e.c. in item no. 8504.2, having a power handling capacity exceeding 500kVA.
Common questions
What is the value of large dry transformers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported large dry transformers worth $15.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 195 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply large dry transformers to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($5.2 million), followed by South Korea (23%) and Germany (12%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 304% on the year.
What is the average import price of large dry transformers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.13 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $8.21 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of large dry transformers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.9 million in 2017 to $15.5 million in 2024, a fall of 2%. The peak was 2017 at $15.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export large dry transformers?
Yes. South Africa exported $12.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for large dry transformers?
The HS code for large dry transformers is subheading 8504.34. 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 8504 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 large dry transformers trade: top importers and exporters
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