Lead-acid starter batteries imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported lead-acid starter batteries worth $92.2 million (36.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $92.2M | 36.7K t |
| 2023 | $94.4M | 27.6K t |
| 2022 | $87.2M | 27.0K t |
| 2021 | $80.8M | 25.8K t |
| 2020 | $83.0M | 28.9K t |
| 2019 | $74.2M | 26.4K t |
| 2018 | $76.5M | 23.5K t |
| 2017 | $46.0M | 15.4K t |
Where South Africa imports lead-acid starter batteries from
The largest suppliers were Germany (28%), China (20%), Spain (15%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+64% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $25.4M | 28% |
| China | $18.8M | 20% |
| Spain | $14.3M | 16% |
| Czech Republic | $6.7M | 7.3% |
| Turkey | $5.7M | 6.2% |
| South Korea | $5.3M | 5.8% |
| Brazil | $2.8M | 3% |
| France | $2.0M | 2.1% |
| Italy | $1.9M | 2% |
| Poland | $1.6M | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.51 per kg, close to the world average of $2.91.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lead-acid starter batteries exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $34.5 million of lead-acid starter batteries in 2024 (12.1 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (25%), Namibia (16%), Zimbabwe (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+33% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $8.6M | 25% |
| Namibia | $5.6M | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $5.1M | 15% |
| Eswatini | $2.6M | 7.6% |
| United Kingdom | $2.6M | 7.4% |
| Botswana | $2.2M | 6.4% |
| Mozambique | $2.1M | 6.1% |
| Malawi | $957K | 2.8% |
| DR Congo | $929K | 2.7% |
| Lesotho | $877K | 2.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lead-acid starter batteries imports (HS 8507.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 8507.10: Electric accumulators: lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square).
Common questions
What is the value of lead-acid starter batteries imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lead-acid starter batteries worth $92.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 36.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 221 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply lead-acid starter batteries to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($25.4 million), followed by China (20%) and Spain (15%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 50 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 64% on the year.
What is the average import price of lead-acid starter batteries per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.51 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $2.91 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of lead-acid starter batteries to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $46.0 million in 2017 to $92.2 million in 2024, an increase of 101%. The peak was 2023 at $94.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $79.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export lead-acid starter batteries?
Yes. South Africa exported $34.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $57.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for lead-acid starter batteries?
The HS code for lead-acid starter batteries is subheading 8507.10. 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 8507 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World lead-acid starter batteries trade: top importers and exporters
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