Optical instrument parts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.5 million of optical instrument parts in 2024 (41 tonnes). That is 19% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $4.9 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 | $3.5M | 41 t |
| 2023 | $4.3M | 30 t |
| 2022 | $4.9M | 107 t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 76 t |
| 2020 | $3.3M | 57 t |
| 2019 | $3.9M | 107 t |
| 2018 | $3.9M | 126 t |
| 2017 | $4.5M | 46 t |
Where South Africa imports optical instrument parts from
The largest suppliers were Germany (29%), United States (21%), China (15%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+422% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.0M | 29% |
| United States | $752K | 21% |
| China | $521K | 15% |
| Vietnam | $425K | 12% |
| Sweden | $82K | 2.3% |
| South Korea | $79K | 2.3% |
| France | $76K | 2.2% |
| Japan | $74K | 2.1% |
| United Kingdom | $59K | 1.7% |
| Israel | $57K | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $85.42 per kg, 65% below the world average of $247.29, 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 instrument parts exports from South Africa
Exports of optical instrument parts by South Africa reached $741 thousand in 2024 (4 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Germany (25%), Ghana (13%), Turkey (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $187K | 25% |
| Ghana | $95K | 13% |
| Turkey | $81K | 11% |
| United States | $73K | 9.8% |
| Italy | $46K | 6.2% |
| Namibia | $46K | 6.2% |
| Angola | $40K | 5.4% |
| Tanzania | $34K | 4.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $18K | 2.4% |
| Mexico | $17K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa optical instrument parts imports (HS 9013.90): 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 9013.90: Optical appliances and instruments: parts and accessories for articles of heading no. 9013.
Common questions
What is the value of optical instrument parts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical instrument parts worth $3.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 41 tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 185 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical instrument parts to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($1.0 million), followed by the United States (21%) and China (15%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 46 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 422% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical instrument parts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $85.42 per kg in 2024, 65% below the world average of $247.29 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of optical instrument parts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.5 million in 2017 to $3.5 million in 2024, a fall of 22%. The peak was 2022 at $4.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export optical instrument parts?
Yes. South Africa exported $741 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Ghana and Turkey. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical instrument parts?
The HS code for optical instrument parts is subheading 9013.90. 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?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World optical instrument parts trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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