Naval vessels exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported naval vessels worth $2.4 million (102 tonnes). Value rose 35% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $219.9 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.4M | 102 t |
| 2023 | $1.8M | 116 t |
| 2022 | $5.8M | 33 t |
| 2021 | $13.2M | 40 t |
| 2020 | $20.9M | 213 t |
| 2019 | $219.9M | 19 t |
| 2018 | $22.8M | 8 t |
| 2017 | $5.0M | 106 t |
Where South Africa exports naval vessels to
Mozambique alone took 70% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+137% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $1.7M | 70% |
| Namibia | $303K | 13% |
| Kenya | $166K | 6.9% |
| Taiwan | $119K | 5% |
| Zambia | $26K | 1.1% |
| Barbados | $16K | 0.7% |
| Tanzania | $15K | 0.6% |
| Sweden | $14K | 0.6% |
| Malta | $14K | 0.6% |
| Singapore | $13K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 8906
| 8906.90 | Vessels: other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warships | 100% |
| 8906.10 | Vessels: warships | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8906.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $23.69 per kg, 55% above the world average of $15.32. 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.
Naval vessels imports to South Africa
Imports of naval vessels by South Africa reached $451 thousand in 2024 (18 tonnes). The largest suppliers were United States (34%), Sri Lanka (19%), Spain (16%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+434% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $153K | 34% |
| Sri Lanka | $86K | 19% |
| Spain | $70K | 16% |
| China | $35K | 7.7% |
| Netherlands | $35K | 7.7% |
| Namibia | $34K | 7.4% |
| Taiwan | $18K | 3.9% |
| Ukraine | $15K | 3.2% |
| Poland | $6K | 1.3% |
| Norway | $1K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 8906: Vessels; other, including warships and lifeboats, other than rowing boats.
Common questions
What is the value of naval vessels exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported naval vessels worth $2.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 102 tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 104 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 35% on 2023.
Which countries buy naval vessels from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 70% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by Namibia (13%) and Kenya (7%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 21 buyer countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 380% on the year.
What is the average export price of naval vessels per kg?
The average declared export value was about $23.69 per kg in 2024, 55% above the world average of $15.32 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of naval vessels from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $5.0 million in 2017 to $2.4 million in 2024, a fall of 51%. The peak was 2019 at $219.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import naval vessels?
Yes. South Africa imported $451 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, Sri Lanka and Spain. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for naval vessels?
The HS code for naval vessels is heading 8906. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8906.90 (100% of the value) and 8906.10 (0%). It sits in HS chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8906 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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