Measuring instruments (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of measuring instruments (other) by South Africa reached $4.5 million in 2024 (734 tonnes). Value fell 3% from 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 | $4.5M | 734 t |
| 2023 | $4.7M | 700 t |
| 2022 | $4.8M | 728 t |
| 2021 | $5.0M | 317 t |
| 2020 | $3.5M | 932 t |
| 2019 | $4.3M | 2.1K t |
| 2018 | $4.7M | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $5.6M | 1.5K t |
Where South Africa imports measuring instruments (other) from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 72% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.2M | 72% |
| Thailand | $558K | 12% |
| United States | $133K | 3% |
| Germany | $116K | 2.6% |
| India | $96K | 2.1% |
| United Kingdom | $70K | 1.6% |
| Taiwan | $38K | 0.9% |
| Sweden | $30K | 0.7% |
| France | $27K | 0.6% |
| South Korea | $26K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.13 per kg, 26% below the world average of $8.27, 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.
Measuring instruments (other) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported measuring instruments (other) worth $3.1 million (261 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Netherlands (18%), Malawi (16%), Namibia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+185% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $549K | 18% |
| Malawi | $501K | 16% |
| Namibia | $317K | 10% |
| Botswana | $298K | 9.5% |
| United States | $272K | 8.7% |
| Eswatini | $193K | 6.2% |
| Zambia | $191K | 6.1% |
| Mozambique | $115K | 3.7% |
| Germany | $100K | 3.2% |
| Angola | $83K | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa measuring instruments (other) imports (HS 9017.80): 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 9017.80: Mathematical instruments and equipment: n.e.c. in heading no. 9017.
Common questions
What is the value of measuring instruments (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported measuring instruments (other) worth $4.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 734 tonnes. That ranks it 52nd of 219 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply measuring instruments (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 72% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by Thailand (12%) and the United States (3%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 65 supplier countries in total. Taiwan grew fastest among the top ten, up 110% on the year.
What is the average import price of measuring instruments (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.13 per kg in 2024, 26% below the world average of $8.27 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of measuring instruments (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.6 million in 2017 to $4.5 million in 2024, a fall of 20%. The peak was 2017 at $5.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export measuring instruments (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Netherlands, Malawi and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for measuring instruments (other)?
The HS code for measuring instruments (other) is subheading 9017.80. It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9017 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 measuring instruments (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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