Motor vehicle lights imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported motor vehicle lights worth $177.7 million (6.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 67% on 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 | $177.7M | 6.3K t |
| 2023 | $106.6M | 2.1K t |
| 2022 | $112.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2021 | $105.3M | 2.3K t |
| 2020 | $70.5M | 1.7K t |
| 2019 | $104.0M | 2.5K t |
| 2018 | $111.3M | 2.6K t |
| 2017 | $112.5M | 2.9K t |
Where South Africa imports motor vehicle lights from
The largest suppliers were Germany (40%), Thailand (19%), China (11%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+388% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $71.7M | 40% |
| Thailand | $33.6M | 19% |
| China | $19.9M | 11% |
| Taiwan | $8.0M | 4.5% |
| Slovakia | $7.5M | 4.2% |
| Czech Republic | $5.5M | 3.1% |
| India | $4.2M | 2.4% |
| United States | $3.9M | 2.2% |
| Japan | $3.7M | 2.1% |
| Romania | $3.6M | 2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $28.12 per kg, close to the world average of $31.51.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Motor vehicle lights exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported motor vehicle lights worth $14.3 million (391 tonnes). Most of it went to Germany (20%), Botswana (15%), Namibia (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%. Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+224% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.9M | 20% |
| Botswana | $2.2M | 16% |
| Namibia | $1.8M | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $725K | 5.1% |
| Zambia | $666K | 4.7% |
| Mozambique | $641K | 4.5% |
| Belgium | $480K | 3.4% |
| DR Congo | $407K | 2.9% |
| United Kingdom | $389K | 2.7% |
| Eswatini | $307K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa motor vehicle lights imports (HS 8512.20): 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 8512.20: Lighting or visual signalling equipment: electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539).
Common questions
What is the value of motor vehicle lights imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported motor vehicle lights worth $177.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 221 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 67% on 2023.
Which countries supply motor vehicle lights to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($71.7 million), followed by Thailand (19%) and China (11%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 83 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 388% on the year.
What is the average import price of motor vehicle lights per kg?
The average declared import value was about $28.12 per kg in 2024, 11% below the world average of $31.51 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of motor vehicle lights to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $112.5 million in 2017 to $177.7 million in 2024, an increase of 58%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $112.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export motor vehicle lights?
Yes. South Africa exported $14.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Botswana and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $163.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for motor vehicle lights?
The HS code for motor vehicle lights is subheading 8512.20. 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 8512 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World motor vehicle lights trade: top importers and exporters
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