Manual horizontal lathes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported manual horizontal lathes worth $3.1 million (818 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 15% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $4.6 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 | $3.1M | 818 t |
| 2023 | $2.7M | 307 t |
| 2022 | $4.6M | 550 t |
| 2021 | $2.9M | 401 t |
| 2020 | $1.3M | 183 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 361 t |
| 2018 | $2.8M | 361 t |
| 2017 | $3.4M | 442 t |
Where South Africa imports manual horizontal lathes from
China alone supplied 76% of it. Among the main suppliers, Taiwan grew fastest (+120% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.3M | 76% |
| Taiwan | $328K | 11% |
| Bulgaria | $98K | 3.2% |
| Germany | $74K | 2.4% |
| United States | $59K | 1.9% |
| Spain | $48K | 1.6% |
| Belgium | $39K | 1.3% |
| Botswana | $36K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $14K | 0.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $14K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.76 per kg, 39% below the world average of $6.12, 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.
Manual horizontal lathes exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported manual horizontal lathes worth $332 thousand (54 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 63% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Madagascar grew fastest (+540% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $208K | 63% |
| Zambia | $35K | 11% |
| Namibia | $28K | 8.4% |
| Madagascar | $17K | 5.1% |
| Burkina Faso | $12K | 3.7% |
| Mozambique | $10K | 2.9% |
| Tanzania | $7K | 2.2% |
| Angola | $4K | 1.1% |
| Malawi | $3K | 0.9% |
| Eswatini | $3K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa manual horizontal lathes imports (HS 8458.19): 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 8458.19: Lathes: for removing metal, horizontal, other than numerically controlled.
Common questions
What is the value of manual horizontal lathes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported manual horizontal lathes worth $3.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 818 tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 182 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply manual horizontal lathes to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 76% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Taiwan (11%) and Bulgaria (3%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 702% on the year.
What is the average import price of manual horizontal lathes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.76 per kg in 2024, 39% below the world average of $6.12 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of manual horizontal lathes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.4 million in 2017 to $3.1 million in 2024, a fall of 10%. The peak was 2022 at $4.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export manual horizontal lathes?
Yes. South Africa exported $332 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for manual horizontal lathes?
The HS code for manual horizontal lathes is subheading 8458.19. 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 8458 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World manual horizontal lathes trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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