Navigation instruments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of navigation instruments by South Africa reached $41.8 million in 2024 (129 tonnes). Value fell 11% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $54.9 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 | $41.8M | 129 t |
| 2023 | $47.1M | 132 t |
| 2022 | $54.9M | 98 t |
| 2021 | $50.9M | 81 t |
| 2020 | $29.0M | 62 t |
| 2019 | $41.7M | 47 t |
| 2018 | $49.4M | 46 t |
| 2017 | $34.0M | 149 t |
Where South Africa imports navigation instruments from
The largest suppliers were United States (45%), United Kingdom (19%), France (7%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+90% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $18.8M | 45% |
| United Kingdom | $7.9M | 19% |
| France | $2.7M | 6.5% |
| Taiwan | $1.8M | 4.4% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 3.2% |
| Malaysia | $1.1M | 2.6% |
| Italy | $1.0M | 2.4% |
| China | $871K | 2.1% |
| Canada | $856K | 2.1% |
| Mexico | $773K | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 9014
| 9014.20 | Navigational instruments and appliances: for aeronautical or space navigation (excluding compasses) | 63% |
| 9014.80 | Navigational instruments and appliances: for navigation other than aeronautical or space navigation (excluding direction finding compasses) | 25% |
| 9014.90 | Navigational instruments and appliances: parts and accessories | 9.6% |
| 9014.10 | Navigational instruments and appliances: direction finding compasses | 2.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9014.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $323.69 per kg, 36% below the world average of $507.35, 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 instruments exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $13.7 million of navigation instruments in 2024 (18 tonnes). Most of it went to Saudi Arabia (20%), United Kingdom (18%), United States (14%). Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $2.7M | 20% |
| United Kingdom | $2.4M | 18% |
| United States | $2.0M | 14% |
| Germany | $1.7M | 12% |
| Egypt | $698K | 5.1% |
| Namibia | $584K | 4.3% |
| Singapore | $524K | 3.8% |
| Turkey | $394K | 2.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $315K | 2.3% |
| Angola | $197K | 1.4% |
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 9014: Navigational instruments and appliances; direction finding compasses.
Common questions
What is the value of navigation instruments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported navigation instruments worth $41.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 129 tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply navigation instruments to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($18.8 million), followed by the United Kingdom (19%) and France (7%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 60 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 213% on the year.
What is the average import price of navigation instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $323.69 per kg in 2024, 36% below the world average of $507.35 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 imports of navigation instruments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $34.0 million in 2017 to $41.8 million in 2024, an increase of 23%. The peak was 2022 at $54.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export navigation instruments?
Yes. South Africa exported $13.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $28.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for navigation instruments?
The HS code for navigation instruments is heading 9014. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9014.20 (62% of the value) and 9014.80 (25%). 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?
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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