Optical microscopes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of optical microscopes by South Africa reached $9.2 million in 2024 (46 tonnes). Value fell 27% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $15.7 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 | $9.2M | 46 t |
| 2023 | $12.6M | 47 t |
| 2022 | $15.7M | 58 t |
| 2021 | $10.1M | 95 t |
| 2020 | $6.2M | 26 t |
| 2019 | $9.9M | 56 t |
| 2018 | $10.8M | 48 t |
| 2017 | $7.2M | 35 t |
Where South Africa imports optical microscopes from
The largest suppliers were Germany (45%), China (16%), Singapore (12%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $4.2M | 46% |
| China | $1.5M | 16% |
| Singapore | $1.1M | 12% |
| United States | $713K | 7.8% |
| Japan | $332K | 3.6% |
| Hungary | $287K | 3.1% |
| Finland | $193K | 2.1% |
| Sweden | $129K | 1.4% |
| Netherlands | $109K | 1.2% |
| Dominican Republic | $103K | 1.1% |
Product types under HS 9011
| 9011.10 | Microscopes, compound optical: stereoscopic microscopes | 50% |
| 9011.80 | Microscopes, compound optical: (other than stereoscopic and microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection) | 28% |
| 9011.90 | Microscopes, compound optical: parts and accessories (including those for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection) | 18% |
| 9011.20 | Microscopes, compound optical: for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection | 3.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9011.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $198.34 per kg, close to the world average of $191.20.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Optical microscopes exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported optical microscopes worth $2.0 million (81 tonnes). Most of it went to Germany (25%), Botswana (11%), United States (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 46%. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $503K | 25% |
| Botswana | $218K | 11% |
| United States | $207K | 10% |
| Hungary | $145K | 7.2% |
| DR Congo | $143K | 7.1% |
| Malawi | $137K | 6.9% |
| Zambia | $98K | 4.9% |
| Kenya | $84K | 4.2% |
| Mozambique | $84K | 4.2% |
| Angola | $74K | 3.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 9011: Microscopes, compound optical; including those for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection.
Common questions
What is the value of optical microscopes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical microscopes worth $9.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 46 tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 207 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical microscopes to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($4.2 million), followed by China (16%) and Singapore (12%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. The Dominican Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 28% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical microscopes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $198.34 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $191.20 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of optical microscopes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.2 million in 2017 to $9.2 million in 2024, an increase of 28%. The peak was 2022 at $15.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export optical microscopes?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Botswana and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical microscopes?
The HS code for optical microscopes is heading 9011. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9011.10 (50% of the value) and 9011.80 (28%). 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 9011 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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