Medical needles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $11.9 million of medical needles in 2024 (842 tonnes). Value rose 5% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $15.2 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 | $11.9M | 842 t |
| 2023 | $11.4M | 622 t |
| 2022 | $12.2M | 648 t |
| 2021 | $15.2M | 1.0K t |
| 2020 | $12.6M | 952 t |
| 2019 | $14.5M | 665 t |
| 2018 | $15.0M | 3.5K t |
| 2017 | $10.7M | 868 t |
Where South Africa imports medical needles from
The largest suppliers were China (20%), United States (13%), Germany (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 45%. Among the main suppliers, Canada grew fastest (+264% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.4M | 21% |
| United States | $1.6M | 13% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $1.2M | 9.8% |
| Thailand | $1.1M | 9.5% |
| Ireland | $643K | 5.4% |
| Canada | $641K | 5.4% |
| Japan | $515K | 4.3% |
| India | $472K | 4% |
| South Korea | $338K | 2.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.19 per kg, 64% below the world average of $39.17, 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 needles exports from South Africa
Exports of medical needles by South Africa reached $1.6 million in 2024 (64 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Namibia accounted for 55% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $901K | 55% |
| Malawi | $190K | 12% |
| Botswana | $158K | 9.6% |
| Kenya | $97K | 5.9% |
| Eswatini | $49K | 3% |
| Angola | $49K | 3% |
| Lesotho | $46K | 2.8% |
| United Kingdom | $36K | 2.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $25K | 1.5% |
| Zambia | $23K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa medical needles imports (HS 9018.32): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 9018.32: Medical, surgical instruments and appliances: tubular metal needles and needles for sutures.
Common questions
What is the value of medical needles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported medical needles worth $11.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 842 tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply medical needles to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 20% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by the United States (13%) and Germany (12%). The top three together account for 45%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 264% on the year.
What is the average import price of medical needles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $14.19 per kg in 2024, 64% below the world average of $39.17 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 needles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.7 million in 2017 to $11.9 million in 2024, an increase of 12%. The peak was 2021 at $15.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export medical needles?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Malawi and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $10.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for medical needles?
The HS code for medical needles is subheading 9018.32. 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.
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