Navigation equipment imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $10.5 million of navigation equipment in 2024 (64 tonnes). Value rose 22% 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 | $10.5M | 64 t |
| 2023 | $8.6M | 82 t |
| 2022 | $8.1M | 55 t |
| 2021 | $7.4M | 47 t |
| 2020 | $5.5M | 41 t |
| 2019 | $5.9M | 32 t |
| 2018 | $9.3M | 30 t |
| 2017 | $7.7M | 134 t |
Where South Africa imports navigation equipment from
The largest suppliers were United States (18%), Taiwan (16%), United Kingdom (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 48%. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+282% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.9M | 18% |
| Taiwan | $1.7M | 16% |
| United Kingdom | $1.5M | 14% |
| Malaysia | $801K | 7.6% |
| France | $733K | 7% |
| Norway | $686K | 6.5% |
| Mexico | $655K | 6.2% |
| China | $498K | 4.7% |
| Estonia | $451K | 4.3% |
| Germany | $435K | 4.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $164.70 per kg, 27% below the world average of $224.48, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Navigation equipment exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported navigation equipment worth $3.0 million (7 tonnes). Saudi Arabia alone took 55% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+500% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $1.6M | 55% |
| Namibia | $306K | 10% |
| United States | $110K | 3.7% |
| Botswana | $106K | 3.6% |
| Mozambique | $87K | 2.9% |
| Zambia | $74K | 2.5% |
| Netherlands | $72K | 2.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $70K | 2.4% |
| Angola | $65K | 2.2% |
| Australia | $64K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa navigation equipment imports (HS 9014.80): 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 9014.80: Navigational instruments and appliances: for navigation other than aeronautical or space navigation (excluding direction finding compasses).
Common questions
What is the value of navigation equipment imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported navigation equipment worth $10.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 64 tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 205 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply navigation equipment to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 18% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by Taiwan (16%) and the United Kingdom (14%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 282% on the year.
What is the average import price of navigation equipment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $164.70 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $224.48 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of navigation equipment to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.7 million in 2017 to $10.5 million in 2024, an increase of 36%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $7.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export navigation equipment?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Saudi Arabia, Namibia and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for navigation equipment?
The HS code for navigation equipment is subheading 9014.80. It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9014 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 navigation equipment trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.