Non-optical microscopes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported non-optical microscopes worth $3.6 million (14 tonnes). Value fell 21% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $6.1 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 | $3.6M | 14 t |
| 2023 | $4.5M | 15 t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 10 t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 11 t |
| 2020 | $3.5M | 9 t |
| 2019 | $6.1M | 16 t |
| 2018 | $5.5M | 17 t |
| 2017 | $5.3M | 17 t |
Where South Africa imports non-optical microscopes from
Most of the value came from Czech Republic (40%), United Kingdom (17%), Japan (15%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+137% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | $1.4M | 40% |
| United Kingdom | $610K | 17% |
| Japan | $520K | 15% |
| Netherlands | $394K | 11% |
| China | $238K | 6.7% |
| United States | $162K | 4.6% |
| India | $71K | 2% |
| Germany | $56K | 1.6% |
| Ireland | $29K | 0.8% |
| Namibia | $19K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 9012
| 9012.10 | Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes): diffraction apparatus | 80% |
| 9012.90 | Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes): diffraction apparatus: parts and accessories | 20% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9012.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $249.58 per kg, close to the world average of $299.54.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Non-optical microscopes exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported non-optical microscopes worth $568 thousand (4 tonnes). Most of it went to Mozambique (36%), Japan (20%), Netherlands (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+458% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $206K | 36% |
| Japan | $115K | 20% |
| Netherlands | $67K | 12% |
| Angola | $44K | 7.7% |
| United Kingdom | $36K | 6.3% |
| United States | $20K | 3.5% |
| Namibia | $16K | 2.8% |
| Botswana | $12K | 2.1% |
| Benin | $10K | 1.8% |
| Tanzania | $7K | 1.3% |
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 9012: Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes); diffraction apparatus.
Common questions
What is the value of non-optical microscopes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported non-optical microscopes worth $3.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14 tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 174 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply non-optical microscopes to South Africa?
The Czech Republic was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by the United Kingdom (17%) and Japan (15%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 169% on the year.
What is the average import price of non-optical microscopes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $249.58 per kg in 2024, 17% below the world average of $299.54 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 non-optical microscopes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.3 million in 2017 to $3.6 million in 2024, a fall of 33%. The peak was 2019 at $6.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export non-optical microscopes?
Yes. South Africa exported $568 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Japan and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for non-optical microscopes?
The HS code for non-optical microscopes is heading 9012. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9012.10 (80% of the value) and 9012.90 (20%). 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 9012 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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