Light aeroplanes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $24.2 million of light aeroplanes in 2024 (9 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 152% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 21% 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 | $24.2M | 9 t |
| 2023 | $9.6M | 33 t |
| 2022 | $20.2M | 70 t |
| 2021 | $6.9M | 26 t |
| 2020 | $11.7M | 44 t |
| 2019 | $12.5M | 49 t |
| 2018 | $7.4M | 33 t |
| 2017 | $6.2M | 29 t |
Where South Africa imports light aeroplanes from
The largest suppliers were Botswana (46%), United States (24%), France (14%). Among the main suppliers, Czech Republic grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $11.2M | 46% |
| United States | $5.8M | 24% |
| France | $3.3M | 14% |
| Singapore | $918K | 3.8% |
| Czech Republic | $619K | 2.6% |
| Switzerland | $493K | 2% |
| United Kingdom | $443K | 1.8% |
| Poland | $355K | 1.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $213K | 0.9% |
| Italy | $208K | 0.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2,813.53 per kg, 475% above the world average of $489.48. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Light aeroplanes exports from South Africa
Exports of light aeroplanes by South Africa reached $23.8 million in 2024 (71 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. Most of it went to Botswana (47%), United States (9%), Portugal (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $11.2M | 47% |
| United States | $2.2M | 9% |
| Portugal | $1.9M | 7.9% |
| Australia | $1.2M | 5.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $918K | 3.9% |
| Kenya | $840K | 3.5% |
| Germany | $838K | 3.5% |
| Singapore | $728K | 3.1% |
| Zambia | $498K | 2.1% |
| Namibia | $356K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa light aeroplanes imports (HS 8802.20): 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 8802.20: Aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg.
Common questions
What is the value of light aeroplanes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported light aeroplanes worth $24.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9 tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 133 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 152% on 2023.
Which countries supply light aeroplanes to South Africa?
Botswana was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($11.2 million), followed by the United States (24%) and France (14%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 81% on the year.
What is the average import price of light aeroplanes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2,813.53 per kg in 2024, 475% above the world average of $489.48 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of light aeroplanes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.2 million in 2017 to $24.2 million in 2024, an increase of 288%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $12.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export light aeroplanes?
Yes. South Africa exported $23.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, the United States and Portugal. That compares with imports of $24.2 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for light aeroplanes?
The HS code for light aeroplanes is subheading 8802.20. It sits in HS chapter 88 (aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8802 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.
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