Motor pleasure boats exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of motor pleasure boats by South Africa reached $103.9 million in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 25% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 16% a year on average.
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 | $103.9M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $83.3M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $54.9M | 1.7K t |
| 2021 | $81.0M | 1.8K t |
| 2020 | $51.0M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $71.5M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $45.8M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $36.7M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa exports motor pleasure boats to
The largest buyer markets were United States (44%), France (15%), Br. Virgin Isds (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Thailand grew fastest (+458% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $45.6M | 44% |
| France | $15.8M | 15% |
| Br. Virgin Isds | $14.9M | 14% |
| Australia | $6.4M | 6.2% |
| Grenada | $4.7M | 4.5% |
| Saint Lucia | $4.2M | 4.1% |
| Malaysia | $3.1M | 3% |
| Thailand | $2.5M | 2.4% |
| Brazil | $2.3M | 2.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.3M | 1.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $44.91 per kg, 24% below the world average of $59.24, 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.
Motor pleasure boats imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported motor pleasure boats worth $719 thousand (13 tonnes). United States alone supplied 54% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $390K | 54% |
| Mexico | $122K | 17% |
| United Kingdom | $108K | 15% |
| France | $84K | 12% |
| China | $15K | 2.1% |
| Italy | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa motor pleasure boats exports (HS 8903.92): 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 8903.92: Motorboats: (other than outboard motorboats), for pleasure or sports, other than inflatable.
Common questions
What is the value of motor pleasure boats exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported motor pleasure boats worth $103.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 118 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 25% on 2023.
Which countries buy motor pleasure boats from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 44% of the value ($45.6 million), followed by France (15%) and Br. Virgin Isds (14%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 31 buyer countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 458% on the year.
What is the average export price of motor pleasure boats per kg?
The average declared export value was about $44.91 per kg in 2024, 24% below the world average of $59.24 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of motor pleasure boats from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $36.7 million in 2017 to $103.9 million in 2024, an increase of 183%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $66.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import motor pleasure boats?
Yes. South Africa imported $719 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $103.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for motor pleasure boats?
The HS code for motor pleasure boats is subheading 8903.92. It sits in HS chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8903 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 motor pleasure boats trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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