Metal treating and winding machinery imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported metal treating and winding machinery worth $3.1 million (633 tonnes). That is 38% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $16.7 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 | $3.1M | 633 t |
| 2023 | $5.0M | 104 t |
| 2022 | $8.3M | 183 t |
| 2021 | $7.3M | 139 t |
| 2020 | $5.3M | 2.2K t |
| 2019 | $2.9M | 309 t |
| 2018 | $16.7M | 312 t |
| 2017 | $3.1M | 330 t |
Where South Africa imports metal treating and winding machinery from
The largest suppliers were China (35%), Switzerland (22%), United Kingdom (13%). Among the main suppliers, Australia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.1M | 35% |
| Switzerland | $672K | 22% |
| United Kingdom | $408K | 13% |
| Japan | $210K | 6.9% |
| Germany | $171K | 5.6% |
| Australia | $166K | 5.4% |
| Italy | $126K | 4.1% |
| France | $55K | 1.8% |
| Portugal | $39K | 1.3% |
| Turkey | $38K | 1.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.83 per kg, 74% below the world average of $18.40, 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 treating and winding machinery exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $369 thousand of metal treating and winding machinery in 2024 (144 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were DR Congo (20%), Zimbabwe (16%), United States (16%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $74K | 20% |
| Zimbabwe | $61K | 17% |
| United States | $58K | 16% |
| Botswana | $54K | 15% |
| Ethiopia | $41K | 11% |
| Kenya | $35K | 9.4% |
| Indonesia | $12K | 3.3% |
| Australia | $12K | 3.2% |
| Germany | $11K | 3% |
| Namibia | $7K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa metal treating and winding machinery imports (HS 8479.81): 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 8479.81: Machines and mechanical appliances: for treating metal, including electric wire coil-winders.
Common questions
What is the value of metal treating and winding machinery imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported metal treating and winding machinery worth $3.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 633 tonnes. That ranks it 62nd of 194 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 38% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal treating and winding machinery to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($1.1 million), followed by Switzerland (22%) and the United Kingdom (13%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 494% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal treating and winding machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.83 per kg in 2024, 74% below the world average of $18.40 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of metal treating and winding machinery to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.1 million in 2017 to $3.1 million in 2024, a fall of 1%. The peak was 2018 at $16.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export metal treating and winding machinery?
Yes. South Africa exported $369 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal treating and winding machinery?
The HS code for metal treating and winding machinery is subheading 8479.81. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8479 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World metal treating and winding machinery trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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