Lathe imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported lathe worth $18.5 million (2.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 14% 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 | $18.5M | 2.5K t |
| 2023 | $21.5M | 1.5K t |
| 2022 | $22.5M | 1.7K t |
| 2021 | $15.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $13.1M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $19.0M | 1.5K t |
| 2018 | $22.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $20.0M | 1.6K t |
Where South Africa imports lathe from
Most of the value came from China (37%), South Korea (27%), Taiwan (18%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+77% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.9M | 37% |
| South Korea | $5.0M | 27% |
| Taiwan | $3.4M | 18% |
| United States | $875K | 4.7% |
| Japan | $836K | 4.5% |
| Poland | $486K | 2.6% |
| Germany | $300K | 1.6% |
| Czech Republic | $138K | 0.8% |
| Bulgaria | $98K | 0.5% |
| Sierra Leone | $94K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 8458
| 8458.11 | Lathes: for removing metal, horizontal, numerically controlled | 62% |
| 8458.19 | Lathes: for removing metal, horizontal, other than numerically controlled | 17% |
| 8458.91 | Lathes: for removing metal, numerically controlled, other than horizontal lathes | 13% |
| 8458.99 | Lathes: for removing metal, other than horizontal or numerically controlled lathes | 8.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8458.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.47 per kg, 48% below the world average of $14.41, 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.
Lathe exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported lathe worth $1.0 million (179 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (36%), Tanzania (10%), Eswatini (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+446% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $365K | 36% |
| Tanzania | $107K | 11% |
| Eswatini | $98K | 9.5% |
| Namibia | $79K | 7.8% |
| Zambia | $76K | 7.4% |
| Botswana | $44K | 4.3% |
| Denmark | $39K | 3.8% |
| Ghana | $39K | 3.8% |
| DR Congo | $33K | 3.2% |
| Germany | $30K | 3% |
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 8458: Lathes for removing metal.
Common questions
What is the value of lathe imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lathe worth $18.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 47th of 196 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply lathe to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($6.9 million), followed by South Korea (27%) and Taiwan (18%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 77% on the year.
What is the average import price of lathe per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.47 per kg in 2024, 48% below the world average of $14.41 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 lathe to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $20.0 million in 2017 to $18.5 million in 2024, a fall of 8%. The peak was 2022 at $22.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export lathe?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for lathe?
The HS code for lathe is heading 8458. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8458.11 (62% of the value) and 8458.19 (17%). 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 8458 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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