Optical instrument sights imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $12.9 million of optical instrument sights in 2024 (18 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 15% more than in 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 | $12.9M | 18 t |
| 2023 | $11.2M | 20 t |
| 2022 | $10.8M | 21 t |
| 2021 | $11.5M | 29 t |
| 2020 | $7.6M | 19 t |
| 2019 | $9.7M | 19 t |
| 2018 | $10.3M | 22 t |
| 2017 | $9.7M | 20 t |
Where South Africa imports optical instrument sights from
Most of the value came from China (29%), United States (27%), Austria (12%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+79% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.7M | 29% |
| United States | $3.4M | 27% |
| Austria | $1.5M | 12% |
| Japan | $1.2M | 9.4% |
| Philippines | $974K | 7.6% |
| United Kingdom | $668K | 5.2% |
| Germany | $485K | 3.8% |
| Hong Kong | $430K | 3.3% |
| Bulgaria | $113K | 0.9% |
| Sweden | $58K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $711.15 per kg, 28% above the world average of $557.68. 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.
Optical instrument sights exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported optical instrument sights worth $1.5 million (2 tonnes). Germany alone took 63% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+126% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $924K | 63% |
| Colombia | $270K | 19% |
| Namibia | $109K | 7.4% |
| Eswatini | $36K | 2.5% |
| Botswana | $25K | 1.7% |
| Austria | $17K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $16K | 1.1% |
| United States | $11K | 0.8% |
| Australia | $9K | 0.6% |
| Indonesia | $9K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa optical instrument sights imports (HS 9013.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 9013.10: Optical appliances and instruments: telescopic sights for fitting to arms: periscopes: telescopes designed to form parts of machines, appliances, instruments or apparatus of this chapter.
Common questions
What is the value of optical instrument sights imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical instrument sights worth $12.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 18 tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 168 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical instrument sights to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($3.7 million), followed by the United States (27%) and Austria (12%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 35 supplier countries in total. Bulgaria grew fastest among the top ten, up 120% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical instrument sights per kg?
The average declared import value was about $711.15 per kg in 2024, 28% above the world average of $557.68 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 instrument sights to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.7 million in 2017 to $12.9 million in 2024, an increase of 33%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $10.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export optical instrument sights?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Colombia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical instrument sights?
The HS code for optical instrument sights is subheading 9013.10. 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 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 instrument sights trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.