Microtomes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of microtomes by South Africa reached $61.2 million in 2024 (809 tonnes). Value fell 9% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $61.2M | 809 t |
| 2023 | $67.3M | 888 t |
| 2022 | $65.6M | 1.5K t |
| 2021 | $68.0M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $53.1M | 760 t |
| 2019 | $55.8M | 648 t |
| 2018 | $64.4M | 673 t |
| 2017 | $56.2M | 508 t |
Where South Africa imports microtomes from
The largest suppliers were United States (26%), Germany (25%), China (7%). Among the main suppliers, Singapore grew fastest (+66% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $16.2M | 27% |
| Germany | $15.4M | 25% |
| China | $4.5M | 7.3% |
| Japan | $4.3M | 7% |
| Denmark | $3.4M | 5.5% |
| Switzerland | $2.6M | 4.3% |
| United Kingdom | $2.5M | 4% |
| Singapore | $1.5M | 2.4% |
| Austria | $1.2M | 2% |
| Netherlands | $1.2M | 2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $75.63 per kg, 52% below the world average of $158.75, 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.
Microtomes exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $18.2 million of microtomes in 2024 (139 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (20%), Zimbabwe (10%), DR Congo (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 38%. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+116% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $3.7M | 20% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.9M | 10% |
| DR Congo | $1.4M | 7.9% |
| Botswana | $1.3M | 7.1% |
| Zambia | $947K | 5.2% |
| Mozambique | $906K | 5% |
| Ghana | $717K | 4% |
| Tanzania | $602K | 3.3% |
| Germany | $601K | 3.3% |
| United States | $446K | 2.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa microtomes imports (HS 9027.90): 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 9027.90: Microtomes and parts and accessories thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of microtomes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported microtomes worth $61.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 809 tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply microtomes to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($16.2 million), followed by Germany (25%) and China (7%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 86 supplier countries in total. Singapore grew fastest among the top ten, up 66% on the year.
What is the average import price of microtomes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $75.63 per kg in 2024, 52% below the world average of $158.75 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of microtomes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $56.2 million in 2017 to $61.2 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. The peak was 2021 at $68.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $61.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export microtomes?
Yes. South Africa exported $18.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zimbabwe and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $43.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for microtomes?
The HS code for microtomes is subheading 9027.90. 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 9027 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.
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