Military weapons exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of military weapons by South Africa reached $6.5 million in 2024 (88 tonnes). That is 71% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $22.3 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.5M | 88 t |
| 2023 | $22.3M | 19 t |
| 2022 | $10.1M | 8.7K t |
| 2021 | $8.2M | 24 t |
| 2020 | $1.7M | 2 t |
| 2019 | $1.6M | 7 t |
| 2018 | $19.1M | 45 t |
| 2017 | $18.5M | 40 t |
Where South Africa exports military weapons to
Most of it went to Indonesia (43%), Angola (28%), Cote d'Ivoire (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Thailand grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $2.8M | 43% |
| Angola | $1.8M | 28% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $760K | 12% |
| Thailand | $428K | 6.6% |
| Malaysia | $410K | 6.3% |
| Brazil | $200K | 3.1% |
| Denmark | $19K | 0.3% |
| South Korea | $15K | 0.2% |
| Slovakia | $12K | 0.2% |
| Kuwait | $11K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 9301
| 9301.20 | Military weapons: rocket launchers, flame-throwers, grenade launchers, torpedo tubes and similar projectors | 53% |
| 9301.90 | Military weapons: other than revolvers, pistols, and arms of heading 9307, n.e.c. in heading 9301 | 40% |
| 9301.10 | Military weapons: artillery weapons (e.g. guns, howitzers, and mortars) | 6.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9301.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $73.74 per kg, 71% below the world average of $256.00, 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.
Military weapons imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $905 thousand of military weapons in 2024 (4 tonnes). One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 99% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+151% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $895K | 99% |
| Philippines | $10K | 1.1% |
| Malaysia | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 9301: Military weapons; other than revolvers, pistols and arms of heading no. 9307.
Common questions
What is the value of military weapons exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported military weapons worth $6.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 88 tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 74 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 71% on 2023.
Which countries buy military weapons from South Africa?
Indonesia was the largest buyer with 43% of the value ($2.8 million), followed by Angola (28%) and Cote d'Ivoire (12%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 12 buyer countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 34% on the year.
What is the average export price of military weapons per kg?
The average declared export value was about $73.74 per kg in 2024, 71% below the world average of $256.00 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of military weapons from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $18.5 million in 2017 to $6.5 million in 2024, a fall of 65%. The peak was 2023 at $22.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import military weapons?
Yes. South Africa imported $905 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, the Philippines and Malaysia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for military weapons?
The HS code for military weapons is heading 9301. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9301.20 (53% of the value) and 9301.90 (40%). It sits in HS chapter 93 (arms and ammunition; parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9301 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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