Locomotives imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of locomotives by South Africa reached $17.2 million in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 346% on 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 .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $17.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2023 | $3.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $8.7M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $9.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $135K | 2.5K t |
| 2019 | $381K | 5 t |
| 2018 | $16.3M | 150 t |
| 2017 | $9.3M | 3.7K t |
Where South Africa imports locomotives from
One supplier dominates: Tanzania accounted for 51% of the value. Among the main suppliers, New Zealand grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $8.8M | 51% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.6M | 21% |
| Croatia | $2.7M | 15% |
| New Zealand | $1.8M | 10% |
| United States | $417K | 2.4% |
| Canada | $4K | 0% |
| China | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 8602
| 8602.10 | Rail locomotives: diesel-electric powered | 100% |
| 8602.90 | Rail locomotives and locomotive tenders: other than diesel-electric powered | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8602.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.53 per kg, 54% below the world average of $20.73, 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.
Locomotives exports from South Africa
Exports of locomotives by South Africa reached $14.8 million in 2024 (7.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Tanzania (24%), Zimbabwe (24%), Eswatini (17%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+36% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $3.6M | 24% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.5M | 24% |
| Eswatini | $2.5M | 17% |
| DR Congo | $1.8M | 12% |
| Mauritius | $1.6M | 11% |
| Senegal | $679K | 4.6% |
| Cambodia | $600K | 4.1% |
| Mozambique | $336K | 2.3% |
| Zambia | $123K | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $59K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 8602: Rail locomotives; (other than those of heading no. 8601), locomotive tenders.
Common questions
What is the value of locomotives imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported locomotives worth $17.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 115 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 346% on 2023.
Which countries supply locomotives to South Africa?
Tanzania was the largest supplier with 51% of the value ($8.8 million), followed by Zimbabwe (21%) and Croatia (15%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 7 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of locomotives per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.53 per kg in 2024, 54% below the world average of $20.73 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of locomotives to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.3 million in 2017 to $17.2 million in 2024, an increase of 85%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export locomotives?
Yes. South Africa exported $14.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. That compares with imports of $17.2 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for locomotives?
The HS code for locomotives is heading 8602. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8602.10 (100% of the value) and 8602.90 (0%). It sits in HS chapter 86 (railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8602 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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