Manual wheelchairs imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $4.0 million of manual wheelchairs in 2024 (799 tonnes). Value rose 26% 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 | $4.0M | 799 t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 714 t |
| 2022 | $2.7M | 642 t |
| 2021 | $3.6M | 236 t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 605 t |
| 2019 | $2.9M | 446 t |
| 2018 | $3.5M | 227 t |
| 2017 | $2.4M | 179 t |
Where South Africa imports manual wheelchairs from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 72% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.9M | 72% |
| Taiwan | $186K | 4.7% |
| Germany | $175K | 4.4% |
| Italy | $165K | 4.2% |
| United States | $113K | 2.8% |
| France | $108K | 2.7% |
| Poland | $95K | 2.4% |
| Sweden | $79K | 2% |
| Spain | $74K | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $32K | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.97 per kg, 30% below the world average of $7.11, 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 wheelchairs exports from South Africa
Exports of manual wheelchairs by South Africa reached $628 thousand in 2024 (49 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (28%), New Zealand (14%), Turkey (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $177K | 28% |
| New Zealand | $88K | 14% |
| Turkey | $82K | 13% |
| Mozambique | $63K | 10% |
| Botswana | $51K | 8.1% |
| Georgia | $33K | 5.3% |
| Kenya | $31K | 5% |
| Mauritius | $18K | 2.9% |
| Malawi | $17K | 2.8% |
| France | $13K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa manual wheelchairs imports (HS 8713.10): 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 8713.10: Carriages for disabled persons: not mechanically propelled.
Common questions
What is the value of manual wheelchairs imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported manual wheelchairs worth $4.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 799 tonnes. That ranks it 50th of 208 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 26% on 2023.
Which countries supply manual wheelchairs to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 72% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by Taiwan (5%) and Germany (4%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 311% on the year.
What is the average import price of manual wheelchairs per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.97 per kg in 2024, 30% below the world average of $7.11 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 wheelchairs to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.4 million in 2017 to $4.0 million in 2024, an increase of 62%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export manual wheelchairs?
Yes. South Africa exported $628 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, New Zealand and Turkey. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for manual wheelchairs?
The HS code for manual wheelchairs is subheading 8713.10. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8713 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.
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