Motorcycles 50-250cc imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $28.8 million of motorcycles 50-250cc in 2024 (4.1 thousand tonnes). Value rose 8% 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 | $28.8M | 4.1K t |
| 2023 | $26.6M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $32.7M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $28.1M | 1.9K t |
| 2020 | $22.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $24.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2018 | $24.5M | 1.4K t |
| 2017 | $25.6M | 1.8K t |
Where South Africa imports motorcycles 50-250cc from
China alone supplied 74% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $21.4M | 74% |
| India | $3.5M | 12% |
| Austria | $2.1M | 7.2% |
| Japan | $1.3M | 4.6% |
| Italy | $282K | 1% |
| France | $114K | 0.4% |
| Australia | $99K | 0.3% |
| Vietnam | $14K | 0.1% |
| Tanzania | $10K | 0% |
| United States | $4K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.03 per kg, close to the world average of $8.18.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Motorcycles 50-250cc exports from South Africa
Exports of motorcycles 50-250cc by South Africa reached $12.5 million in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Madagascar (25%), Eswatini (13%), Zambia (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Madagascar | $3.1M | 25% |
| Eswatini | $1.6M | 13% |
| Zambia | $1.6M | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $919K | 7.3% |
| Angola | $918K | 7.3% |
| Uganda | $796K | 6.4% |
| Mozambique | $683K | 5.5% |
| Tanzania | $678K | 5.4% |
| Sudan | $356K | 2.8% |
| Mauritius | $231K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa motorcycles 50-250cc imports (HS 8711.20): 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 8711.20: Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles: fitted with an auxiliary motor, reciprocating internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder capacity exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc, with or without side-cars: side-cars.
Common questions
What is the value of motorcycles 50-250cc imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported motorcycles 50-250cc worth $28.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 73rd of 216 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply motorcycles 50-250cc to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 74% of the value ($21.4 million), followed by India (12%) and Austria (7%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 14 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 301% on the year.
What is the average import price of motorcycles 50-250cc per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.03 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $8.18 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of motorcycles 50-250cc to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $25.6 million in 2017 to $28.8 million in 2024, an increase of 13%. The peak was 2022 at $32.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $26.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export motorcycles 50-250cc?
Yes. South Africa exported $12.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Madagascar, Eswatini and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $16.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for motorcycles 50-250cc?
The HS code for motorcycles 50-250cc is subheading 8711.20. 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?
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 motorcycles 50-250cc trade: top importers and exporters
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