Laser cutting machines imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $27.9 million of laser cutting machines in 2024 (5.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 21% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $35.3 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 | $27.9M | 5.0K t |
| 2023 | $35.3M | 3.6K t |
| 2022 | $32.9M | 6.5K t |
| 2021 | $31.9M | 2.7K t |
| 2020 | $25.0M | 4.0K t |
| 2019 | $27.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $29.2M | 978 t |
| 2017 | $27.9M | 1.0K t |
Where South Africa imports laser cutting machines from
China alone supplied 84% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $23.3M | 84% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 4.9% |
| Italy | $1.2M | 4.1% |
| Switzerland | $892K | 3.2% |
| United States | $270K | 1% |
| Japan | $242K | 0.9% |
| Austria | $106K | 0.4% |
| Botswana | $69K | 0.3% |
| Poland | $66K | 0.2% |
| Hong Kong | $60K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.54 per kg, 71% below the world average of $19.25, 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.
Laser cutting machines exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.6 million of laser cutting machines in 2024 (513 tonnes). United Kingdom alone took 58% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+583% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $932K | 58% |
| Namibia | $215K | 13% |
| Botswana | $80K | 5% |
| United States | $73K | 4.5% |
| Canada | $66K | 4.1% |
| Zambia | $41K | 2.6% |
| China | $37K | 2.3% |
| Switzerland | $33K | 2.1% |
| Angola | $29K | 1.8% |
| Kenya | $19K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa laser cutting machines imports (HS 8456.11): 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 8456.11: Machine-tools: for working any material by removal of material: operated by laser.
Common questions
What is the value of laser cutting machines imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported laser cutting machines worth $27.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 200 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply laser cutting machines to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 84% of the value ($23.3 million), followed by Germany (5%) and Italy (4%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 60% on the year.
What is the average import price of laser cutting machines per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.54 per kg in 2024, 71% below the world average of $19.25 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of laser cutting machines to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $27.9 million in 2017 to $27.9 million in 2024, a fall of 0%. The peak was 2023 at $35.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $29.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export laser cutting machines?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Kingdom, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $26.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for laser cutting machines?
The HS code for laser cutting machines is subheading 8456.11. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8456 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World laser cutting machines trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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