Nuclear reactors imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $100.8 million of nuclear reactors in 2024 (42 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value rose 54% 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 | $100.8M | 42 t |
| 2023 | $65.7M | 50 t |
| 2022 | $48.0M | 48 t |
| 2021 | $41.1M | 171 t |
| 2020 | $76.8M | 90 t |
| 2019 | $77.6M | 79 t |
| 2018 | $410K | 5 t |
| 2017 | $124.6M | 110 t |
Where South Africa imports nuclear reactors from
Sweden alone supplied 100% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | $100.4M | 100% |
| United Kingdom | $180K | 0.2% |
| France | $146K | 0.1% |
| United States | $51K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $9K | 0% |
| China | $6K | 0% |
| Namibia | $4K | 0% |
| Spain | $3K | 0% |
| Japan | $2K | 0% |
| Taiwan | $2K | 0% |
Product types under HS 8401
| 8401.30 | Fuel elements (cartridges): non-irradiated | 100% |
| 8401.40 | Nuclear reactors: parts thereof | 0.2% |
| 8401.20 | Machinery and apparatus: for isotopic separation, and parts thereof | 0.1% |
| 8401.10 | Nuclear reactors | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8401.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2,378.49 per kg, 913% above the world average of $234.89. 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.
Nuclear reactors exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $213 thousand of nuclear reactors in 2024 (26 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (41%), France (23%), Nigeria (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $87K | 41% |
| France | $49K | 23% |
| Nigeria | $21K | 9.7% |
| Uganda | $10K | 4.5% |
| Angola | $9K | 4.3% |
| Zambia | $9K | 4.1% |
| Mozambique | $8K | 3.8% |
| Botswana | $7K | 3.1% |
| Lesotho | $4K | 1.7% |
| Tanzania | $3K | 1.5% |
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 8401: Nuclear reactors; fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, for nuclear reactors, machinery and apparatus for isotopic separation.
Common questions
What is the value of nuclear reactors imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported nuclear reactors worth $100.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 42 tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 156 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 54% on 2023.
Which countries supply nuclear reactors to South Africa?
Sweden was the largest supplier with 100% of the value ($100.4 million), followed by the United Kingdom (0%) and France (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 69% on the year.
What is the average import price of nuclear reactors per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2,378.49 per kg in 2024, 913% above the world average of $234.89 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 nuclear reactors to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $124.6 million in 2017 to $100.8 million in 2024, a fall of 19%. The peak was 2017 at $124.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export nuclear reactors?
Yes. South Africa exported $213 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, France and Nigeria. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $100.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for nuclear reactors?
The HS code for nuclear reactors is heading 8401. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8401.30 (100% of the value) and 8401.40 (0%). 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 8401 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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