Motorcycles 250-500cc imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported motorcycles 250-500cc worth $10.4 million (315 tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $10.4M | 315 t |
| 2023 | $10.4M | 400 t |
| 2022 | $10.3M | 414 t |
| 2021 | $7.9M | 294 t |
| 2020 | $6.9M | 286 t |
| 2019 | $12.9M | 563 t |
| 2018 | $10.5M | 438 t |
| 2017 | $10.9M | 457 t |
Where South Africa imports motorcycles 250-500cc from
Most of the value came from Austria (35%), Thailand (17%), India (15%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+466% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | $3.6M | 35% |
| Thailand | $1.8M | 17% |
| India | $1.6M | 15% |
| China | $1.3M | 12% |
| Italy | $900K | 8.7% |
| Japan | $472K | 4.5% |
| France | $374K | 3.6% |
| Philippines | $208K | 2% |
| Spain | $44K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $39K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $32.97 per kg, 57% above the world average of $20.98. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Motorcycles 250-500cc exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported motorcycles 250-500cc worth $1.3 million (52 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (18%), Botswana (15%), Eswatini (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $241K | 18% |
| Botswana | $203K | 15% |
| Eswatini | $185K | 14% |
| Ghana | $134K | 10% |
| Kenya | $118K | 8.9% |
| Zambia | $61K | 4.6% |
| Madagascar | $54K | 4.1% |
| Republic of the Congo | $27K | 2.1% |
| Netherlands | $26K | 1.9% |
| Angola | $23K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa motorcycles 250-500cc imports (HS 8711.30): 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 8711.30: Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles: fitted with an auxiliary motor, reciprocating internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder capacity exceeding 250cc but not exceeding 500cc, with or without side-cars: side-cars.
Common questions
What is the value of motorcycles 250-500cc imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported motorcycles 250-500cc worth $10.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 315 tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 199 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply motorcycles 250-500cc to South Africa?
Austria was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($3.6 million), followed by Thailand (17%) and India (15%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 592% on the year.
What is the average import price of motorcycles 250-500cc per kg?
The average declared import value was about $32.97 per kg in 2024, 57% above the world average of $20.98 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of motorcycles 250-500cc to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.9 million in 2017 to $10.4 million in 2024, a fall of 4%. The peak was 2019 at $12.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export motorcycles 250-500cc?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $9.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for motorcycles 250-500cc?
The HS code for motorcycles 250-500cc is subheading 8711.30. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8711 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World motorcycles 250-500cc trade: top importers and exporters
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