Needle roller bearings imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of needle roller bearings by South Africa reached $2.0 million in 2024 (46 tonnes). Value fell 62% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $6.6 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 | $2.0M | 46 t |
| 2023 | $5.4M | 182 t |
| 2022 | $6.6M | 210 t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 161 t |
| 2020 | $6.3M | 204 t |
| 2019 | $4.5M | 164 t |
| 2018 | $5.9M | 216 t |
| 2017 | $4.7M | 179 t |
Where South Africa imports needle roller bearings from
The largest suppliers were China (28%), Germany (23%), United States (18%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $579K | 29% |
| Germany | $470K | 23% |
| United States | $361K | 18% |
| Japan | $154K | 7.6% |
| Italy | $97K | 4.8% |
| India | $54K | 2.6% |
| Mexico | $39K | 1.9% |
| Zambia | $28K | 1.4% |
| United Kingdom | $23K | 1.2% |
| Brazil | $22K | 1.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $44.59 per kg, 95% above the world average of $22.82. 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.
Needle roller bearings exports from South Africa
Exports of needle roller bearings by South Africa reached $574 thousand in 2024 (30 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Madagascar (18%), DR Congo (11%), Mozambique (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 37%. Among the main buyer markets, Madagascar grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Madagascar | $101K | 18% |
| DR Congo | $62K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $49K | 8.6% |
| Namibia | $39K | 6.8% |
| Zambia | $36K | 6.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $35K | 6.2% |
| United Kingdom | $34K | 5.9% |
| Tanzania | $32K | 5.6% |
| Botswana | $30K | 5.3% |
| Netherlands | $27K | 4.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa needle roller bearings imports (HS 8482.40): 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 8482.40: Bearings: needle roller bearings.
Common questions
What is the value of needle roller bearings imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported needle roller bearings worth $2.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 46 tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 196 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 62% on 2023.
Which countries supply needle roller bearings to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($579 thousand), followed by Germany (23%) and the United States (18%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 55 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 34% on the year.
What is the average import price of needle roller bearings per kg?
The average declared import value was about $44.59 per kg in 2024, 95% above the world average of $22.82 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of needle roller bearings to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.7 million in 2017 to $2.0 million in 2024, a fall of 57%. The peak was 2022 at $6.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export needle roller bearings?
Yes. South Africa exported $574 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Madagascar, the DR Congo and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for needle roller bearings?
The HS code for needle roller bearings is subheading 8482.40. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8482 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 needle roller bearings trade: top importers and exporters
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