Outboard marine motors imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $11.9 million of outboard marine motors in 2024 (440 tonnes). Value fell 17% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $16.7 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 | $11.9M | 440 t |
| 2023 | $14.3M | 442 t |
| 2022 | $16.7M | 508 t |
| 2021 | $13.1M | 393 t |
| 2020 | $7.5M | 225 t |
| 2019 | $12.7M | 396 t |
| 2018 | $13.6M | 400 t |
| 2017 | $8.8M | 285 t |
Where South Africa imports outboard marine motors from
Japan alone supplied 89% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+33% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $10.6M | 89% |
| China | $652K | 5.5% |
| Thailand | $470K | 3.9% |
| United States | $112K | 0.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $37K | 0.3% |
| Germany | $22K | 0.2% |
| Italy | $10K | 0.1% |
| Australia | $6K | 0.1% |
| Norway | $4K | 0% |
| Greece | $4K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $27.06 per kg, close to the world average of $32.62.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Outboard marine motors exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported outboard marine motors worth $4.1 million (120 tonnes). Most of it went to Seychelles (21%), Mozambique (15%), Madagascar (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+292% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Seychelles | $872K | 22% |
| Mozambique | $625K | 15% |
| Madagascar | $422K | 10% |
| Angola | $321K | 7.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $309K | 7.6% |
| Zambia | $303K | 7.5% |
| Botswana | $294K | 7.2% |
| Netherlands | $183K | 4.5% |
| Namibia | $135K | 3.3% |
| Mauritius | $126K | 3.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa outboard marine motors imports (HS 8407.21): 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 8407.21: Engines: outboard motors for marine propulsion, spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines.
Common questions
What is the value of outboard marine motors imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported outboard marine motors worth $11.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 440 tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 216 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply outboard marine motors to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 89% of the value ($10.6 million), followed by China (5%) and Thailand (4%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 35% on the year.
What is the average import price of outboard marine motors per kg?
The average declared import value was about $27.06 per kg in 2024, 17% below the world average of $32.62 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of outboard marine motors to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.8 million in 2017 to $11.9 million in 2024, an increase of 35%. The peak was 2022 at $16.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export outboard marine motors?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Seychelles, Mozambique and Madagascar. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for outboard marine motors?
The HS code for outboard marine motors is subheading 8407.21. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8407 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 outboard marine motors trade: top importers and exporters
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.