Light diesel trucks <5 tonnes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of light diesel trucks <5 tonnes by South Africa reached $4.89 billion in 2024 (389.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 173 countries. Value fell 18% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.89B | 389.3K t |
| 2023 | $5.97B | 484.8K t |
| 2022 | $3.69B | 338.3K t |
| 2021 | $3.67B | 333.8K t |
| 2020 | $2.51B | 240.4K t |
| 2019 | $3.08B | 311.1K t |
| 2018 | $2.96B | 264.5K t |
| 2017 | $2.62B | 249.2K t |
Where South Africa exports light diesel trucks <5 tonnes to
Most of it went to Belgium (22%), Germany (20%), Spain (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Turkey grew fastest (+59% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $1.08B | 22% |
| Germany | $964.2M | 20% |
| Spain | $513.5M | 11% |
| United Kingdom | $312.2M | 6.4% |
| Australia | $263.5M | 5.4% |
| Czech Republic | $124.6M | 2.6% |
| Namibia | $122.1M | 2.5% |
| Turkey | $102.3M | 2.1% |
| Zambia | $89.3M | 1.8% |
| Botswana | $87.9M | 1.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.56 per kg, close to the world average of $11.39.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Light diesel trucks <5 tonnes imports to South Africa
Imports of light diesel trucks <5 tonnes by South Africa reached $341.2 million in 2024 (44.0 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from China (18%), Japan (16%), Germany (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 46%. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+94% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $61.0M | 18% |
| Japan | $55.4M | 16% |
| Germany | $42.2M | 12% |
| Thailand | $34.6M | 10% |
| India | $32.5M | 9.5% |
| Poland | $25.6M | 7.5% |
| Portugal | $24.4M | 7.1% |
| Turkey | $20.8M | 6.1% |
| South Korea | $20.5M | 6% |
| Italy | $17.3M | 5.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa light diesel trucks <5 tonnes exports (HS 8704.21): 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 8704.21: Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1.
Common questions
What is the value of light diesel trucks <5 tonnes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported light diesel trucks <5 tonnes worth $4.89 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 389.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 173 countries worldwide, with 7% of world exports. The value was down 18% on 2023.
Which countries buy light diesel trucks <5 tonnes from South Africa?
Belgium was the largest buyer with 22% of the value ($1.08 billion), followed by Germany (20%) and Spain (10%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 131 buyer countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 59% on the year.
What is the average export price of light diesel trucks <5 tonnes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $12.56 per kg in 2024, 10% above the world average of $11.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of light diesel trucks <5 tonnes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.62 billion in 2017 to $4.89 billion in 2024, an increase of 87%. The peak was 2023 at $5.97 billion. Over 8 years the average was $3.68 billion a year.
Does South Africa also import light diesel trucks <5 tonnes?
Yes. South Africa imported $341.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Japan and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.55 billion a year.
What is the HS code for light diesel trucks <5 tonnes?
The HS code for light diesel trucks <5 tonnes is subheading 8704.21. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8704 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 light diesel trucks <5 tonnes trade: top importers and exporters
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