Lightning arresters and surge suppressors imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported lightning arresters and surge suppressors worth $6.3 million (470 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 4% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $10.6 million.
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 | $6.3M | 470 t |
| 2023 | $6.5M | 382 t |
| 2022 | $4.9M | 375 t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 339 t |
| 2020 | $6.7M | 501 t |
| 2019 | $7.1M | 519 t |
| 2018 | $8.4M | 507 t |
| 2017 | $10.6M | 558 t |
Where South Africa imports lightning arresters and surge suppressors from
Most of the value came from China (48%), France (19%), Belgium (7%). Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+259% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.0M | 48% |
| France | $1.2M | 19% |
| Belgium | $422K | 6.8% |
| Brazil | $419K | 6.7% |
| Germany | $280K | 4.5% |
| Switzerland | $204K | 3.3% |
| United States | $113K | 1.8% |
| Italy | $107K | 1.7% |
| Sweden | $81K | 1.3% |
| Singapore | $67K | 1.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $13.31 per kg, 38% below the world average of $21.63, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lightning arresters and surge suppressors exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported lightning arresters and surge suppressors worth $3.2 million (150 tonnes). Most of it went to Malawi (13%), Namibia (11%), Zambia (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 35%. Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest (+465% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malawi | $400K | 13% |
| Namibia | $350K | 11% |
| Zambia | $350K | 11% |
| United States | $337K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $272K | 8.6% |
| Botswana | $241K | 7.6% |
| Eswatini | $203K | 6.4% |
| Canada | $187K | 5.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $175K | 5.5% |
| Ghana | $66K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lightning arresters and surge suppressors imports (HS 8535.40): 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 8535.40: Electrical apparatus: lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts).
Common questions
What is the value of lightning arresters and surge suppressors imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lightning arresters and surge suppressors worth $6.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 470 tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 210 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply lightning arresters and surge suppressors to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 48% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by France (19%) and Belgium (7%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 43 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 679% on the year.
What is the average import price of lightning arresters and surge suppressors per kg?
The average declared import value was about $13.31 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $21.63 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of lightning arresters and surge suppressors to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.6 million in 2017 to $6.3 million in 2024, a fall of 41%. The peak was 2017 at $10.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export lightning arresters and surge suppressors?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Malawi, Namibia and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for lightning arresters and surge suppressors?
The HS code for lightning arresters and surge suppressors is subheading 8535.40. 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 8535 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 lightning arresters and surge suppressors trade: top importers and exporters
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