Optical radiation detector imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported optical radiation detector worth $71.2 million (249 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 26% on 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 | $71.2M | 249 t |
| 2023 | $56.6M | 131 t |
| 2022 | $45.8M | 108 t |
| 2021 | $57.4M | 140 t |
| 2020 | $47.9M | 129 t |
| 2019 | $52.9M | 139 t |
| 2018 | $47.5M | 127 t |
| 2017 | $48.3M | 136 t |
Where South Africa imports optical radiation detector from
Most of the value came from United States (39%), Japan (17%), Germany (12%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+135% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $27.8M | 39% |
| Japan | $12.1M | 17% |
| Germany | $8.2M | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $2.9M | 4% |
| Netherlands | $2.7M | 3.8% |
| Switzerland | $2.5M | 3.6% |
| China | $2.5M | 3.4% |
| Hong Kong | $1.4M | 1.9% |
| Singapore | $1.2M | 1.8% |
| Sweden | $1.2M | 1.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $286.19 per kg, close to the world average of $323.51.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Optical radiation detector exports from South Africa
Exports of optical radiation detector by South Africa reached $11.8 million in 2024 (33 tonnes). Most of it went to Russia (17%), Namibia (7%), Botswana (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 31%. Among the main buyer markets, Canada grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | $2.0M | 17% |
| Namibia | $858K | 7.3% |
| Botswana | $783K | 6.6% |
| Nigeria | $592K | 5% |
| United States | $582K | 4.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $532K | 4.5% |
| Zambia | $453K | 3.8% |
| Lesotho | $443K | 3.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $417K | 3.5% |
| Canada | $392K | 3.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa optical radiation detector imports (HS 9027.50): 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 9027.50: Instruments and apparatus: using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR), (other than spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs).
Common questions
What is the value of optical radiation detector imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported optical radiation detector worth $71.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 249 tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 220 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 26% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical radiation detector to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 39% of the value ($27.8 million), followed by Japan (17%) and Germany (12%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 65 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 135% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical radiation detector per kg?
The average declared import value was about $286.19 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $323.51 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 radiation detector to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $48.3 million in 2017 to $71.2 million in 2024, an increase of 47%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $53.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export optical radiation detector?
Yes. South Africa exported $11.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Russia, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $59.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical radiation detector?
The HS code for optical radiation detector is subheading 9027.50. 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 9027 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 radiation detector trade: top importers and exporters
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