Manual and towed forklifts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported manual and towed forklifts worth $14.2 million (2.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 29% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $20.0 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 | $14.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2023 | $20.0M | 4.2K t |
| 2022 | $14.9M | 2.9K t |
| 2021 | $10.8M | 2.6K t |
| 2020 | $8.3M | 2.3K t |
| 2019 | $7.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2018 | $7.5M | 2.1K t |
| 2017 | $11.7M | 3.3K t |
Where South Africa imports manual and towed forklifts from
Most of the value came from China (35%), Italy (25%), Ireland (16%). Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest (+226% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.0M | 35% |
| Italy | $3.5M | 25% |
| Ireland | $2.3M | 16% |
| India | $1.9M | 13% |
| Australia | $650K | 4.6% |
| Sweden | $162K | 1.1% |
| Lesotho | $137K | 1% |
| New Zealand | $129K | 0.9% |
| Netherlands | $126K | 0.9% |
| Eswatini | $61K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.78 per kg, 34% above the world average of $4.32. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Manual and towed forklifts exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported manual and towed forklifts worth $11.8 million (1.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Zambia (21%), Mozambique (19%), Botswana (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $2.5M | 21% |
| Mozambique | $2.3M | 19% |
| Botswana | $1.1M | 9.6% |
| Namibia | $860K | 7.3% |
| DR Congo | $728K | 6.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $698K | 5.9% |
| Eswatini | $676K | 5.7% |
| Malawi | $676K | 5.7% |
| Netherlands | $533K | 4.5% |
| Tanzania | $349K | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa manual and towed forklifts imports (HS 8427.90): 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 8427.90: Fork-lift and other works trucks: fitted with lifting or handling equipment, not self-propelled.
Common questions
What is the value of manual and towed forklifts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported manual and towed forklifts worth $14.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 219 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 29% on 2023.
Which countries supply manual and towed forklifts to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($5.0 million), followed by Italy (25%) and Ireland (16%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 684% on the year.
What is the average import price of manual and towed forklifts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.78 per kg in 2024, 34% above the world average of $4.32 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of manual and towed forklifts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.7 million in 2017 to $14.2 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. The peak was 2023 at $20.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export manual and towed forklifts?
Yes. South Africa exported $11.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana. That compares with imports of $14.2 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for manual and towed forklifts?
The HS code for manual and towed forklifts is subheading 8427.90. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8427 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 manual and towed forklifts trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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