Motorcycles 500-800cc imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported motorcycles 500-800cc worth $5.3 million (116 tonnes). That is 8% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $9.4 million.
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 | $5.3M | 116 t |
| 2023 | $5.7M | 188 t |
| 2022 | $6.7M | 235 t |
| 2021 | $6.0M | 196 t |
| 2020 | $5.5M | 187 t |
| 2019 | $9.4M | 336 t |
| 2018 | $5.5M | 193 t |
| 2017 | $7.0M | 259 t |
Where South Africa imports motorcycles 500-800cc from
The largest suppliers were Japan (43%), United States (22%), China (15%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+273% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $2.3M | 43% |
| United States | $1.2M | 22% |
| China | $812K | 15% |
| Austria | $686K | 13% |
| Thailand | $258K | 4.9% |
| India | $59K | 1.1% |
| Italy | $15K | 0.3% |
| Portugal | $10K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $10K | 0.2% |
| Belgium | $8K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $45.70 per kg, 62% above the world average of $28.29. 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 500-800cc exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $424 thousand of motorcycles 500-800cc in 2024 (16 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Kenya (22%), Namibia (16%), Zimbabwe (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+251% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $93K | 22% |
| Namibia | $67K | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $41K | 9.6% |
| Zambia | $28K | 6.5% |
| Tanzania | $25K | 5.9% |
| Portugal | $22K | 5.1% |
| Mozambique | $20K | 4.8% |
| Botswana | $17K | 4.1% |
| Uganda | $13K | 3% |
| Philippines | $12K | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa motorcycles 500-800cc imports (HS 8711.40): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 8711.40: Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles: fitted with auxiliary motor, reciprocating internal combustion piston engine of cylinder capacity exceeding 500cc but not exceeding 800cc, with or without sidecars: side-cars.
Common questions
What is the value of motorcycles 500-800cc imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported motorcycles 500-800cc worth $5.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 116 tonnes. That ranks it 56th of 185 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply motorcycles 500-800cc to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 43% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by the United States (22%) and China (15%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 273% on the year.
What is the average import price of motorcycles 500-800cc per kg?
The average declared import value was about $45.70 per kg in 2024, 62% above the world average of $28.29 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 500-800cc to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.0 million in 2017 to $5.3 million in 2024, a fall of 24%. The peak was 2019 at $9.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export motorcycles 500-800cc?
Yes. South Africa exported $424 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for motorcycles 500-800cc?
The HS code for motorcycles 500-800cc is subheading 8711.40. 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?
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 motorcycles 500-800cc trade: top importers and exporters
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