Orthopaedic appliances imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported orthopaedic appliances worth $303.6 million (1.6 thousand tonnes). That is 5% 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 | $303.6M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $288.1M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $298.6M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $265.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $223.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $290.2M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $302.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $243.4M | 1.0K t |
Where South Africa imports orthopaedic appliances from
The largest suppliers were United States (28%), Switzerland (9%), Germany (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 46%. Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+99% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $85.8M | 28% |
| Switzerland | $27.6M | 9.1% |
| Germany | $26.9M | 8.9% |
| Ireland | $22.6M | 7.4% |
| China | $21.2M | 7% |
| Netherlands | $11.9M | 3.9% |
| Singapore | $11.1M | 3.7% |
| Mexico | $9.9M | 3.3% |
| France | $9.6M | 3.2% |
| Belgium | $9.4M | 3.1% |
Product types under HS 9021
| 9021.10 | Orthopaedic or fracture appliances | 25% |
| 9021.31 | Artificial parts of the body | 21% |
| 9021.39 | Artificial parts of the body: excluding artificial joints | 18% |
| 9021.90 | Appliances: worn, carried or implanted in the body, to compensate for a defect or disability | 16% |
| 9021.40 | Hearing aids (excluding parts and accessories) | 9.3% |
| 9021.50 | Pacemakers: for stimulating heart muscles (excluding parts and accessories) | 8.2% |
| 9021.29 | Dental fittings: other than artificial teeth | 1.7% |
| 9021.21 | Dental fittings: artificial teeth | 0.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9021.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $185.91 per kg, 46% below the world average of $345.26, 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.
Orthopaedic appliances exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported orthopaedic appliances worth $38.7 million (181 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United Kingdom (16%), United States (11%), Netherlands (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 37%. Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+76% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $6.1M | 16% |
| United States | $4.1M | 11% |
| Netherlands | $4.0M | 10% |
| Namibia | $3.8M | 9.7% |
| Australia | $2.3M | 5.8% |
| Botswana | $2.2M | 5.7% |
| Switzerland | $2.1M | 5.5% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 3.6% |
| Poland | $1.3M | 3.3% |
| France | $1.2M | 3% |
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 9021: Orthopaedic appliances; including crutches, surgical belts and trusses; splints and other fracture appliances; artificial parts of the body; hearing aids and other which are worn, carried or implanted in the body to compensate for a defect or disability.
Common questions
What is the value of orthopaedic appliances imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported orthopaedic appliances worth $303.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply orthopaedic appliances to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($85.8 million), followed by Switzerland (9%) and Germany (9%). The top three together account for 46%, out of 92 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 99% on the year.
What is the average import price of orthopaedic appliances per kg?
The average declared import value was about $185.91 per kg in 2024, 46% below the world average of $345.26 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 orthopaedic appliances to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $243.4 million in 2017 to $303.6 million in 2024, an increase of 25%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export orthopaedic appliances?
Yes. South Africa exported $38.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $265.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for orthopaedic appliances?
The HS code for orthopaedic appliances is heading 9021. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9021.10 (25% of the value) and 9021.31 (21%). 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 9021 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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