Marine diesel engines imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported marine diesel engines worth $11.5 million (454 tonnes). Value fell 22% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $14.7 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 | $11.5M | 454 t |
| 2023 | $14.7M | 464 t |
| 2022 | $7.7M | 257 t |
| 2021 | $7.1M | 267 t |
| 2020 | $9.2M | 393 t |
| 2019 | $13.1M | 427 t |
| 2018 | $10.2M | 392 t |
| 2017 | $11.5M | 432 t |
Where South Africa imports marine diesel engines from
The largest suppliers were Netherlands (23%), Japan (20%), Sweden (18%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+991% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $2.7M | 23% |
| Japan | $2.3M | 20% |
| Sweden | $2.0M | 18% |
| United States | $1.8M | 16% |
| France | $904K | 7.8% |
| India | $459K | 4% |
| United Kingdom | $408K | 3.5% |
| South Korea | $364K | 3.2% |
| China | $335K | 2.9% |
| Germany | $117K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $25.41 per kg, 32% above the world average of $19.25. 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.
Marine diesel engines exports from South Africa
Exports of marine diesel engines by South Africa reached $2.8 million in 2024 (95 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (25%), Seychelles (12%), Nigeria (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 46%. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $696K | 25% |
| Seychelles | $330K | 12% |
| Nigeria | $265K | 9.5% |
| Republic of the Congo | $246K | 8.8% |
| Br. Virgin Isds | $220K | 7.9% |
| Angola | $192K | 6.9% |
| Guyana | $123K | 4.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $107K | 3.8% |
| Gabon | $79K | 2.8% |
| Burundi | $71K | 2.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa marine diesel engines imports (HS 8408.10): 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 8408.10: Engines: for marine propulsion, compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines).
Common questions
What is the value of marine diesel engines imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported marine diesel engines worth $11.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 454 tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 200 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply marine diesel engines to South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest supplier with 23% of the value ($2.7 million), followed by Japan (20%) and Sweden (18%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 991% on the year.
What is the average import price of marine diesel engines per kg?
The average declared import value was about $25.41 per kg in 2024, 32% above the world average of $19.25 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of marine diesel engines to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.5 million in 2017 to $11.5 million in 2024, an increase of 0%. The peak was 2023 at $14.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export marine diesel engines?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, the Seychelles and Nigeria. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for marine diesel engines?
The HS code for marine diesel engines is subheading 8408.10. 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 8408 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 marine diesel engines trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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