Optical measurement instrument imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $25.0 million of optical measurement instrument in 2024 (300 tonnes). Value fell 27% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $34.2 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 | $25.0M | 300 t |
| 2023 | $34.2M | 243 t |
| 2022 | $33.2M | 266 t |
| 2021 | $26.6M | 296 t |
| 2020 | $18.7M | 629 t |
| 2019 | $26.1M | 65 t |
| 2018 | $32.4M | 201 t |
| 2017 | $26.4M | 315 t |
Where South Africa imports optical measurement instrument from
Most of the value came from Germany (36%), China (14%), Mexico (12%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+75% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $9.0M | 36% |
| China | $3.5M | 14% |
| Mexico | $3.1M | 12% |
| United States | $1.8M | 7.3% |
| Canada | $1.4M | 5.5% |
| Japan | $914K | 3.7% |
| New Zealand | $443K | 1.8% |
| Sweden | $412K | 1.7% |
| Thailand | $384K | 1.5% |
| South Korea | $365K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $83.25 per kg, 24% below the world average of $110.20, 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 measurement instrument exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $5.3 million of optical measurement instrument in 2024 (97 tonnes). Most of it went to South Korea (27%), Namibia (16%), Germany (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+440% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $1.4M | 27% |
| Namibia | $824K | 16% |
| Germany | $453K | 8.6% |
| Botswana | $245K | 4.7% |
| DR Congo | $216K | 4.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $194K | 3.7% |
| Mozambique | $165K | 3.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $159K | 3% |
| United States | $147K | 2.8% |
| Tanzania | $122K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa optical measurement instrument imports (HS 9031.49): 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 9031.49: Optical instruments and appliances: for measuring or checking, n.e.c. in chapter 90.
Common questions
What is the value of optical measurement instrument imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical measurement instrument worth $25.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 300 tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical measurement instrument to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($9.0 million), followed by China (14%) and Mexico (12%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 65 supplier countries in total. New Zealand grew fastest among the top ten, up 668% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical measurement instrument per kg?
The average declared import value was about $83.25 per kg in 2024, 24% below the world average of $110.20 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 measurement instrument to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $26.4 million in 2017 to $25.0 million in 2024, a fall of 5%. The peak was 2023 at $34.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $27.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export optical measurement instrument?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to South Korea, Namibia and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $19.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical measurement instrument?
The HS code for optical measurement instrument is subheading 9031.49. 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 9031 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 measurement instrument trade: top importers and exporters
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