Medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes by South Africa reached $195.2 million in 2024 (31.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 265% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 22% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $195.2M | 31.9K t |
| 2023 | $53.5M | 7.0K t |
| 2022 | $65.7M | 9.8K t |
| 2021 | $56.3M | 11.7K t |
| 2020 | $39.7M | 8.6K t |
| 2019 | $56.2M | 8.4K t |
| 2018 | $66.7M | 11.9K t |
| 2017 | $47.3M | 7.1K t |
Where South Africa imports medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes from
One supplier dominates: Japan accounted for 74% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $143.9M | 74% |
| India | $20.3M | 10% |
| China | $10.0M | 5.1% |
| South Korea | $7.3M | 3.8% |
| Germany | $5.9M | 3% |
| Italy | $3.1M | 1.6% |
| United Kingdom | $890K | 0.5% |
| Spain | $874K | 0.5% |
| Lesotho | $829K | 0.4% |
| Finland | $617K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.12 per kg, close to the world average of $7.25.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes worth $69.2 million (18.9 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (24%), Namibia (15%), Botswana (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+263% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $16.6M | 24% |
| Namibia | $10.4M | 15% |
| Botswana | $9.3M | 13% |
| Mozambique | $9.2M | 13% |
| Zambia | $6.7M | 9.7% |
| Lesotho | $4.8M | 6.9% |
| Eswatini | $4.6M | 6.7% |
| Malawi | $2.1M | 3% |
| Mauritius | $2.0M | 2.8% |
| Mexico | $1.0M | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes imports (HS 8704.22): 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 8704.22: Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 5 tonnes but not exceeding 20 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1.
Common questions
What is the value of medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes worth $195.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 31.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 217 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 265% on 2023.
Which countries supply medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 74% of the value ($143.9 million), followed by India (10%) and China (5%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 175% on the year.
What is the average import price of medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.12 per kg in 2024, 16% below the world average of $7.25 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $47.3 million in 2017 to $195.2 million in 2024, an increase of 313%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $72.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes?
Yes. South Africa exported $69.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $126.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes?
The HS code for medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes is subheading 8704.22. 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 8704 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.
Same product, other countries
World medium diesel trucks 5-20 tonnes trade: top importers and exporters
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