Metal testing machines imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of metal testing machines by South Africa reached $2.4 million in 2024 (69 tonnes). Value rose 15% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $3.6 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 | $2.4M | 69 t |
| 2023 | $2.0M | 16 t |
| 2022 | $1.6M | 11 t |
| 2021 | $2.8M | 14 t |
| 2020 | $2.6M | 171 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 21 t |
| 2018 | $2.0M | 21 t |
| 2017 | $3.6M | 22 t |
Where South Africa imports metal testing machines from
Most of the value came from Germany (23%), United States (14%), China (13%). Among the main suppliers, Australia grew fastest (+880% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $538K | 23% |
| United States | $340K | 14% |
| China | $314K | 13% |
| United Kingdom | $266K | 11% |
| Australia | $220K | 9.3% |
| Austria | $183K | 7.8% |
| Taiwan | $126K | 5.4% |
| Netherlands | $67K | 2.9% |
| India | $57K | 2.4% |
| Hungary | $36K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $34.04 per kg, 40% below the world average of $56.56, 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.
Metal testing machines exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported metal testing machines worth $413 thousand (11 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Poland (38%), Zambia (12%), DR Congo (6%). Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | $158K | 38% |
| Zambia | $50K | 12% |
| DR Congo | $27K | 6.5% |
| India | $25K | 6% |
| Senegal | $21K | 5.1% |
| Mozambique | $21K | 5.1% |
| Germany | $20K | 4.8% |
| Namibia | $15K | 3.5% |
| Denmark | $14K | 3.3% |
| Eswatini | $13K | 3.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa metal testing machines imports (HS 9024.10): 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 9024.10: Machines and appliances: for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity or other mechanical properties of metals.
Common questions
What is the value of metal testing machines imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported metal testing machines worth $2.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 69 tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 186 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal testing machines to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 23% of the value ($538 thousand), followed by the United States (14%) and China (13%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 33 supplier countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 880% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal testing machines per kg?
The average declared import value was about $34.04 per kg in 2024, 40% below the world average of $56.56 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of metal testing machines to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.6 million in 2017 to $2.4 million in 2024, a fall of 35%. The peak was 2017 at $3.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export metal testing machines?
Yes. South Africa exported $413 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Poland, Zambia and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal testing machines?
The HS code for metal testing machines is subheading 9024.10. 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 9024 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 metal testing machines trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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