Machine cutting blades imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of machine cutting blades by South Africa reached $23.6 million in 2024 (1.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 7% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $23.6M | 1.5K t |
| 2023 | $22.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $21.5M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $20.3M | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $18.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $18.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $19.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $20.3M | 1.3K t |
Where South Africa imports machine cutting blades from
Most of the value came from China (25%), Germany (21%), United States (9%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+52% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.8M | 25% |
| Germany | $5.0M | 21% |
| United States | $2.2M | 9.3% |
| Italy | $1.6M | 6.6% |
| United Kingdom | $1.5M | 6.4% |
| Switzerland | $958K | 4.1% |
| Sweden | $865K | 3.7% |
| Japan | $646K | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $619K | 2.6% |
| Austria | $605K | 2.6% |
Product types under HS 8208
| 8208.90 | Tools: knives and cutting blades, for machines or mechanical appliances, n.e.c. in heading no. 8208 | 52% |
| 8208.30 | Tools: knives and cutting blades, for kitchen appliances or for machines used by the food industry | 17% |
| 8208.40 | Tools: knives and cutting blades, for agricultural, horticultural or forestry machines or mechanical appliances | 14% |
| 8208.10 | Tools: knives and cutting blades, for machines or for mechanical appliances, for metal working | 9.1% |
| 8208.20 | Tools: knives and cutting blades, for wood working machines or mechanical appliances | 8.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8208.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $15.83 per kg, 25% below the world average of $21.21, 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.
Machine cutting blades exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported machine cutting blades worth $8.5 million (784 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Guinea (20%), United States (16%), Zimbabwe (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Guinea grew fastest (+327% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Guinea | $1.7M | 20% |
| United States | $1.4M | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 15% |
| Namibia | $546K | 6.4% |
| Zambia | $535K | 6.3% |
| DR Congo | $481K | 5.6% |
| Eswatini | $420K | 4.9% |
| Botswana | $340K | 4% |
| Mozambique | $248K | 2.9% |
| Lesotho | $158K | 1.9% |
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 8208: Knives and cutting blades, for machines or for mechanical appliances.
Common questions
What is the value of machine cutting blades imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported machine cutting blades worth $23.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 221 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply machine cutting blades to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($5.8 million), followed by Germany (21%) and the United States (9%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 75 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 52% on the year.
What is the average import price of machine cutting blades per kg?
The average declared import value was about $15.83 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $21.21 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 machine cutting blades to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $20.3 million in 2017 to $23.6 million in 2024, an increase of 16%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export machine cutting blades?
Yes. South Africa exported $8.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Guinea, the United States and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $15.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for machine cutting blades?
The HS code for machine cutting blades is heading 8208. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8208.90 (52% of the value) and 8208.30 (17%). It sits in HS chapter 82 (tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8208 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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