Medical instruments (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $385.5 million of medical instruments (other) in 2024 (58.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 0%. That is 14% more than in 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 | $385.5M | 58.0K t |
| 2023 | $339.6M | 51.4K t |
| 2022 | $372.8M | 49.4K t |
| 2021 | $359.0M | 47.6K t |
| 2020 | $352.3M | 75.8K t |
| 2019 | $382.3M | 5.2K t |
| 2018 | $334.4M | 4.3K t |
| 2017 | $332.5M | 47.0K t |
Where South Africa imports medical instruments (other) from
The largest suppliers were United States (27%), China (14%), Germany (11%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+72% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $102.6M | 27% |
| China | $54.3M | 14% |
| Germany | $44.0M | 11% |
| Mexico | $24.4M | 6.3% |
| Japan | $17.0M | 4.4% |
| Netherlands | $16.7M | 4.3% |
| France | $11.8M | 3.1% |
| Ireland | $11.1M | 2.9% |
| Italy | $10.5M | 2.7% |
| Malaysia | $7.6M | 2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.64 per kg, 73% below the world average of $24.26, 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.
Medical instruments (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of medical instruments (other) by South Africa reached $64.6 million in 2024 (2.0 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (23%), Botswana (13%), Zimbabwe (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+85% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $14.9M | 23% |
| Botswana | $8.3M | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $4.5M | 7% |
| Netherlands | $3.6M | 5.6% |
| Germany | $3.6M | 5.6% |
| United States | $3.0M | 4.7% |
| Zambia | $2.3M | 3.5% |
| Lesotho | $2.0M | 3.1% |
| Malawi | $1.8M | 2.8% |
| Mauritius | $1.8M | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa medical instruments (other) imports (HS 9018.90): 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 9018.90: Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018.
Common questions
What is the value of medical instruments (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported medical instruments (other) worth $385.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 58.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 226 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply medical instruments (other) to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($102.6 million), followed by China (14%) and Germany (11%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 117 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 72% on the year.
What is the average import price of medical instruments (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.64 per kg in 2024, 73% below the world average of $24.26 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of medical instruments (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $332.5 million in 2017 to $385.5 million in 2024, an increase of 16%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $357.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export medical instruments (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $64.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $320.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for medical instruments (other)?
The HS code for medical instruments (other) is subheading 9018.90. 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 9018 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 medical instruments (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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