Plasma arc cutting machines imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of plasma arc cutting machines by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (144 tonnes). Value fell 23% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $3.3 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 | $2.1M | 144 t |
| 2023 | $2.7M | 91 t |
| 2022 | $2.2M | 77 t |
| 2021 | $3.3M | 132 t |
| 2020 | $2.4M | 192 t |
| 2019 | $2.0M | 157 t |
| 2018 | $1.3M | 56 t |
| 2017 | $983K | 45 t |
Where South Africa imports plasma arc cutting machines from
Most of the value came from China (32%), Germany (21%), United States (18%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+167% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $647K | 32% |
| Germany | $424K | 21% |
| United States | $360K | 18% |
| Netherlands | $190K | 9.2% |
| India | $164K | 8% |
| Denmark | $91K | 4.4% |
| Turkey | $60K | 2.9% |
| United Kingdom | $54K | 2.6% |
| Czech Republic | $31K | 1.5% |
| Poland | $20K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.27 per kg, 39% below the world average of $23.56, 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plasma arc cutting machines imports (HS 8456.40): 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 8456.40: Machine tools: for working any material by removal of material: operated by plasma arc processes:.
Common questions
What is the value of plasma arc cutting machines imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plasma arc cutting machines worth $2.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 144 tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 192 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply plasma arc cutting machines to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($647 thousand), followed by Germany (21%) and the United States (18%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 167% on the year.
What is the average import price of plasma arc cutting machines per kg?
The average declared import value was about $14.27 per kg in 2024, 39% below the world average of $23.56 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of plasma arc cutting machines to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $983 thousand in 2017 to $2.1 million in 2024, an increase of 109%. The peak was 2021 at $3.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for plasma arc cutting machines?
The HS code for plasma arc cutting machines is subheading 8456.40. 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 8456 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 plasma arc cutting machines trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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