Magnetic tape media exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported magnetic tape media worth $8.2 million (52 tonnes). That is 86% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $27.5 million.
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 | $8.2M | 52 t |
| 2023 | $4.4M | 37 t |
| 2022 | $17.3M | 130 t |
| 2021 | $7.0M | 55 t |
| 2020 | $16.5M | 179 t |
| 2019 | $27.0M | 216 t |
| 2018 | $27.5M | 241 t |
| 2017 | $12.8M | 109 t |
Where South Africa exports magnetic tape media to
Most of it went to Germany (36%), United Kingdom (29%), Zambia (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+590% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.9M | 36% |
| United Kingdom | $2.4M | 29% |
| Zambia | $537K | 6.6% |
| Namibia | $530K | 6.5% |
| United States | $488K | 6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $373K | 4.6% |
| Switzerland | $140K | 1.7% |
| Angola | $128K | 1.6% |
| Eswatini | $107K | 1.3% |
| Uganda | $83K | 1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $158.72 per kg, close to the world average of $140.18.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Magnetic tape media imports to South Africa
Imports of magnetic tape media by South Africa reached $3.0 million in 2024 (31 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Japan accounted for 69% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+155% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $2.1M | 69% |
| United Kingdom | $207K | 7% |
| China | $119K | 4% |
| Spain | $119K | 4% |
| Czech Republic | $104K | 3.5% |
| Turkey | $88K | 3% |
| Germany | $76K | 2.6% |
| United States | $55K | 1.9% |
| Italy | $28K | 1% |
| Australia | $28K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa magnetic tape media exports (HS 8523.29): 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 8523.29: Magnetic media: other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Common questions
What is the value of magnetic tape media exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported magnetic tape media worth $8.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 52 tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 153 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 86% on 2023.
Which countries buy magnetic tape media from South Africa?
Germany was the largest buyer with 36% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by the United Kingdom (29%) and Zambia (7%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 77 buyer countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 590% on the year.
What is the average export price of magnetic tape media per kg?
The average declared export value was about $158.72 per kg in 2024, 13% above the world average of $140.18 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of magnetic tape media from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $12.8 million in 2017 to $8.2 million in 2024, a fall of 36%. The peak was 2018 at $27.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import magnetic tape media?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Japan, the United Kingdom and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for magnetic tape media?
The HS code for magnetic tape media is subheading 8523.29. 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 8523 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.
Same product, other countries
World magnetic tape media trade: top importers and exporters
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