Microprocessors and microcontrollers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of microprocessors and microcontrollers by South Africa reached $62.4 million in 2024 (158 tonnes). Value fell 16% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $98.6 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 | $62.4M | 158 t |
| 2023 | $74.4M | 48 t |
| 2022 | $98.6M | 65 t |
| 2021 | $64.9M | 42 t |
| 2020 | $56.2M | 49 t |
| 2019 | $72.6M | 85 t |
| 2018 | $80.0M | 83 t |
| 2017 | $83.4M | 98 t |
Where South Africa imports microprocessors and microcontrollers from
Most of the value came from China (19%), Vietnam (17%), Netherlands (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 50%.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $11.7M | 19% |
| Vietnam | $10.4M | 17% |
| Netherlands | $8.9M | 14% |
| Taiwan | $6.8M | 11% |
| Malaysia | $5.2M | 8.4% |
| Thailand | $3.0M | 4.8% |
| Philippines | $2.9M | 4.6% |
| Hong Kong | $2.6M | 4.2% |
| Germany | $2.4M | 3.8% |
| South Korea | $2.1M | 3.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $395.03 per kg, 38% below the world average of $635.69, 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.
Microprocessors and microcontrollers exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $18.4 million of microprocessors and microcontrollers in 2024 (2.2 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Japan (29%), Sweden (10%), United States (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%. Among the main buyer markets, Belgium grew fastest (+202% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $5.4M | 29% |
| Sweden | $1.8M | 10% |
| United States | $1.5M | 8.4% |
| United Kingdom | $1.2M | 6.7% |
| Belgium | $1.2M | 6.3% |
| Malaysia | $1.1M | 6% |
| Zimbabwe | $734K | 4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $423K | 2.3% |
| Ireland | $375K | 2% |
| Netherlands | $372K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa microprocessors and microcontrollers imports (HS 8542.31): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 8542.31: Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits.
Common questions
What is the value of microprocessors and microcontrollers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported microprocessors and microcontrollers worth $62.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 158 tonnes. That ranks it 57th of 215 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply microprocessors and microcontrollers to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 19% of the value ($11.7 million), followed by Vietnam (17%) and the Netherlands (14%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 77 supplier countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 28% on the year.
What is the average import price of microprocessors and microcontrollers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $395.03 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $635.69 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of microprocessors and microcontrollers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $83.4 million in 2017 to $62.4 million in 2024, a fall of 25%. The peak was 2022 at $98.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $74.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export microprocessors and microcontrollers?
Yes. South Africa exported $18.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Japan, Sweden and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $44.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for microprocessors and microcontrollers?
The HS code for microprocessors and microcontrollers is subheading 8542.31. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8542 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 microprocessors and microcontrollers trade: top importers and exporters
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