Optical devices (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of optical devices (other) by South Africa reached $8.2 million in 2024 (254 tonnes). That is 10% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $14.8 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 | $8.2M | 255 t |
| 2023 | $9.1M | 365 t |
| 2022 | $13.2M | 547 t |
| 2021 | $14.8M | 433 t |
| 2020 | $11.7M | 313 t |
| 2019 | $12.3M | 1.6K t |
| 2018 | $14.8M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $13.4M | 555 t |
Where South Africa imports optical devices (other) from
Most of the value came from China (42%), United States (18%), Sweden (10%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+811% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.4M | 42% |
| United States | $1.5M | 18% |
| Sweden | $853K | 10% |
| Belgium | $645K | 7.9% |
| Estonia | $533K | 6.5% |
| Germany | $456K | 5.6% |
| South Korea | $157K | 1.9% |
| Singapore | $90K | 1.1% |
| United Kingdom | $84K | 1% |
| Japan | $70K | 0.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $32.14 per kg, 68% below the world average of $102.01, 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.
Optical devices (other) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $6.5 million of optical devices (other) in 2024 (12 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Turkey accounted for 80% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $5.2M | 80% |
| Sweden | $349K | 5.4% |
| Zambia | $126K | 1.9% |
| Norway | $123K | 1.9% |
| Namibia | $117K | 1.8% |
| United States | $102K | 1.6% |
| Switzerland | $78K | 1.2% |
| Guinea | $71K | 1.1% |
| Pakistan | $66K | 1% |
| Germany | $33K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa optical devices (other) imports (HS 9013.80): 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 9013.80: Optical devices, appliances and instruments: n.e.c. in heading no. 9013 (including liquid crystal devices).
Common questions
What is the value of optical devices (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical devices (other) worth $8.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 254 tonnes. That ranks it 47th of 207 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical devices (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 42% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by the United States (18%) and Sweden (10%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 46 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 811% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical devices (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $32.14 per kg in 2024, 68% below the world average of $102.01 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of optical devices (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.4 million in 2017 to $8.2 million in 2024, a fall of 39%. The peak was 2018 at $14.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export optical devices (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Turkey, Sweden and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical devices (other)?
The HS code for optical devices (other) is subheading 9013.80. 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 9013 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World optical devices (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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