Light petrol trucks <5 tonnes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $279.8 million of light petrol trucks <5 tonnes in 2024 (24.2 thousand tonnes). It ranks 9th of 127 countries for exports of this product. Value rose 8% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% 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 | $279.8M | 24.2K t |
| 2023 | $258.2M | 23.0K t |
| 2022 | $156.2M | 16.2K t |
| 2021 | $117.0M | 12.0K t |
| 2020 | $78.2M | 7.4K t |
| 2019 | $76.8M | 8.1K t |
| 2018 | $84.7M | 8.6K t |
| 2017 | $83.9M | 8.7K t |
Where South Africa exports light petrol trucks <5 tonnes to
Most of it went to Mexico (34%), Nigeria (14%), Namibia (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+759% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $96.0M | 34% |
| Nigeria | $39.4M | 14% |
| Namibia | $33.0M | 12% |
| United Arab Emirates | $21.6M | 7.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $19.0M | 6.8% |
| Australia | $17.1M | 6.1% |
| Czech Republic | $6.1M | 2.2% |
| Turkey | $6.0M | 2.1% |
| Germany | $5.1M | 1.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $4.9M | 1.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.57 per kg, close to the world average of $11.46.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Light petrol trucks <5 tonnes imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $95.3 million of light petrol trucks <5 tonnes in 2024 (8.4 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Thailand accounted for 63% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+523% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $59.8M | 63% |
| India | $13.2M | 14% |
| Japan | $10.5M | 11% |
| Poland | $5.9M | 6.2% |
| China | $3.0M | 3.1% |
| Spain | $1.1M | 1.1% |
| Portugal | $740K | 0.8% |
| Mexico | $463K | 0.5% |
| France | $392K | 0.4% |
| Botswana | $219K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa light petrol trucks <5 tonnes exports (HS 8704.31): 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 8704.31: Vehicles: spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1.
Common questions
What is the value of light petrol trucks <5 tonnes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported light petrol trucks <5 tonnes worth $279.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 24.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 127 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy light petrol trucks <5 tonnes from South Africa?
Mexico was the largest buyer with 34% of the value ($96.0 million), followed by Nigeria (14%) and Namibia (12%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 56 buyer countries in total. Nigeria grew fastest among the top ten, up 759% on the year.
What is the average export price of light petrol trucks <5 tonnes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $11.57 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $11.46 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of light petrol trucks <5 tonnes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $83.9 million in 2017 to $279.8 million in 2024, an increase of 234%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $141.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also import light petrol trucks <5 tonnes?
Yes. South Africa imported $95.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Thailand, India and Japan. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $184.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for light petrol trucks <5 tonnes?
The HS code for light petrol trucks <5 tonnes is subheading 8704.31. 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?
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.
Same product, other countries
World light petrol trucks <5 tonnes trade: top importers and exporters
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