Non-powered aircraft exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of non-powered aircraft by South Africa reached $7.5 million in 2024 (50 tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 89 countries. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $7.5M | 50 t |
| 2023 | $7.4M | 60 t |
| 2022 | $3.4M | 32 t |
| 2021 | $1.2M | 15 t |
| 2020 | $1.2M | 12 t |
| 2019 | $4.6M | 54 t |
| 2018 | $4.7M | 38 t |
| 2017 | $3.9M | 33 t |
Where South Africa exports non-powered aircraft to
United States alone took 53% of it. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+82% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.0M | 53% |
| Germany | $3.0M | 40% |
| Australia | $213K | 2.8% |
| Netherlands | $140K | 1.9% |
| Namibia | $81K | 1.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $46K | 0.6% |
| Saint Helena | $10K | 0.1% |
| Eswatini | $9K | 0.1% |
| Lesotho | $3K | 0% |
| DR Congo | $2K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $149.26 per kg, 62% above the world average of $92.37. 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.
Non-powered aircraft imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported non-powered aircraft worth $3.3 million (17 tonnes). It ranks 9th of 167 countries for imports of this product. One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 91% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3.0M | 91% |
| Czech Republic | $91K | 2.8% |
| Ireland | $69K | 2.1% |
| Germany | $57K | 1.7% |
| Vietnam | $32K | 1% |
| United Kingdom | $27K | 0.8% |
| China | $7K | 0.2% |
| Denmark | $7K | 0.2% |
| Italy | $4K | 0.1% |
| Poland | $3K | 0.1% |
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 8801: Balloons and dirigibles; gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft..
Common questions
What is the value of non-powered aircraft exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported non-powered aircraft worth $7.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 50 tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 89 countries worldwide, with 8% of world exports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy non-powered aircraft from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 53% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by Germany (40%) and Australia (3%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 655% on the year.
What is the average export price of non-powered aircraft per kg?
The average declared export value was about $149.26 per kg in 2024, 62% above the world average of $92.37 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 non-powered aircraft from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.9 million in 2017 to $7.5 million in 2024, an increase of 91%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import non-powered aircraft?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, the Czech Republic and Ireland. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for non-powered aircraft?
The HS code for non-powered aircraft is heading 8801. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 8801.00. It sits in HS chapter 88 (aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8801 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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