Optical fibre cables imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $14.1 million of optical fibre cables in 2024 (689 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 32% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $21.4 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 | $14.1M | 689 t |
| 2023 | $20.7M | 580 t |
| 2022 | $18.9M | 418 t |
| 2021 | $21.0M | 535 t |
| 2020 | $14.4M | 355 t |
| 2019 | $21.4M | 244 t |
| 2018 | $16.7M | 225 t |
| 2017 | $11.1M | 185 t |
Where South Africa imports optical fibre cables from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.0M | 56% |
| India | $2.1M | 15% |
| Indonesia | $1.2M | 8.6% |
| Denmark | $954K | 6.7% |
| Spain | $523K | 3.7% |
| Germany | $523K | 3.7% |
| United States | $490K | 3.5% |
| Switzerland | $174K | 1.2% |
| Netherlands | $67K | 0.5% |
| Japan | $41K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.54 per kg, 51% below the world average of $42.33, 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 fibre cables exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.8 million of optical fibre cables in 2024 (146 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Germany (36%), Zambia (15%), DR Congo (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $654K | 36% |
| Zambia | $280K | 15% |
| DR Congo | $270K | 15% |
| Botswana | $255K | 14% |
| Netherlands | $71K | 3.8% |
| Mauritius | $68K | 3.7% |
| Italy | $40K | 2.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $32K | 1.7% |
| Senegal | $29K | 1.6% |
| Gabon | $24K | 1.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa optical fibre cables imports (HS 9001.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 9001.10: Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables: excluding those of heading no. 8544.
Common questions
What is the value of optical fibre cables imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical fibre cables worth $14.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 689 tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 202 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 32% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical fibre cables to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 56% of the value ($8.0 million), followed by India (15%) and Indonesia (9%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 42% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical fibre cables per kg?
The average declared import value was about $20.54 per kg in 2024, 51% below the world average of $42.33 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of optical fibre cables to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.1 million in 2017 to $14.1 million in 2024, an increase of 28%. The peak was 2019 at $21.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $17.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export optical fibre cables?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Zambia and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $12.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical fibre cables?
The HS code for optical fibre cables is subheading 9001.10. 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 9001 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 optical fibre cables trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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