Light helicopters imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of light helicopters by South Africa reached $35.6 million in 2024 (27 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 19% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $57.9 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $35.6M | 27 t |
| 2023 | $30.0M | 32 t |
| 2022 | $26.0M | 38 t |
| 2021 | $22.5M | 29 t |
| 2020 | $57.9M | 90 t |
| 2019 | $22.4M | 43 t |
| 2018 | $33.1M | 48 t |
| 2017 | $35.2M | 29 t |
Where South Africa imports light helicopters from
The largest suppliers were France (42%), United States (19%), Canada (14%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+579% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $15.1M | 43% |
| United States | $6.9M | 19% |
| Canada | $4.9M | 14% |
| Malaysia | $2.1M | 5.8% |
| China | $1.5M | 4.3% |
| Netherlands | $1.4M | 3.9% |
| Italy | $1.1M | 3.1% |
| Singapore | $813K | 2.3% |
| United Kingdom | $352K | 1% |
| Namibia | $273K | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1,309.93 per kg, 25% above the world average of $1,047.11. 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 helicopters exports from South Africa
Exports of light helicopters by South Africa reached $21.5 million in 2024 (62 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Iran (17%), Mauritius (15%), DR Congo (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+322% on the year before).
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa light helicopters imports (HS 8802.11): 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 8802.11: Helicopters: of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg.
Common questions
What is the value of light helicopters imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported light helicopters worth $35.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 27 tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 125 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply light helicopters to South Africa?
France was the largest supplier with 42% of the value ($15.1 million), followed by the United States (19%) and Canada (14%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 579% on the year.
What is the average import price of light helicopters per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1,309.93 per kg in 2024, 25% above the world average of $1,047.11 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of light helicopters to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $35.2 million in 2017 to $35.6 million in 2024, an increase of 1%. The peak was 2020 at $57.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $32.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export light helicopters?
Yes. South Africa exported $21.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Iran, Mauritius and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for light helicopters?
The HS code for light helicopters is subheading 8802.11. 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?
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.
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