Pleasure vessels exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of pleasure vessels by South Africa reached $273.4 million in 2024 (7.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $273.4M | 7.5K t |
| 2023 | $279.6M | 7.7K t |
| 2022 | $195.1M | 6.7K t |
| 2021 | $209.4M | 6.0K t |
| 2020 | $133.4M | 4.8K t |
| 2019 | $174.6M | 7.5K t |
| 2018 | $163.6M | 5.9K t |
| 2017 | $136.5M | 5.1K t |
Where South Africa exports pleasure vessels to
The largest buyer markets were United States (34%), France (16%), Br. Virgin Isds (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+393% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $92.3M | 34% |
| France | $42.4M | 16% |
| Br. Virgin Isds | $38.9M | 14% |
| Grenada | $21.7M | 7.9% |
| Cyprus | $14.7M | 5.4% |
| Saint Lucia | $13.5M | 5% |
| Australia | $11.6M | 4.2% |
| Thailand | $5.8M | 2.1% |
| Malaysia | $4.7M | 1.7% |
| Brazil | $2.9M | 1.1% |
Product types under HS 8903
| 8903.91 | Sailboats: with or without auxiliary motor, for pleasure or sports, other than inflatable | 56% |
| 8903.92 | Motorboats: (other than outboard motorboats), for pleasure or sports, other than inflatable | 38% |
| 8903.99 | Yachts and other vessels: for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes, n.e.c. in heading no. 8903, other than inflatable | 4.1% |
| 8903.10 | Yachts and other vessels: for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes, inflatable | 2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8903.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $36.55 per kg, 21% below the world average of $46.19, 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.
Pleasure vessels imports to South Africa
Imports of pleasure vessels by South Africa reached $6.7 million in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were United States (34%), Mexico (18%), France (13%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+645% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.3M | 34% |
| Mexico | $1.2M | 18% |
| France | $859K | 13% |
| China | $578K | 8.7% |
| Italy | $500K | 7.5% |
| Tunisia | $298K | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | $209K | 3.2% |
| Japan | $188K | 2.8% |
| Germany | $161K | 2.4% |
| New Zealand | $114K | 1.7% |
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 8903: Yachts and other vessels; for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes.
Common questions
What is the value of pleasure vessels exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported pleasure vessels worth $273.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 14th of 169 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy pleasure vessels from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 34% of the value ($92.3 million), followed by France (16%) and Br. Virgin Isds (14%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 75 buyer countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 393% on the year.
What is the average export price of pleasure vessels per kg?
The average declared export value was about $36.55 per kg in 2024, 21% below the world average of $46.19 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 exports of pleasure vessels from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $136.5 million in 2017 to $273.4 million in 2024, an increase of 100%. The peak was 2023 at $279.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import pleasure vessels?
Yes. South Africa imported $6.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, Mexico and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $266.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for pleasure vessels?
The HS code for pleasure vessels is heading 8903. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8903.91 (56% of the value) and 8903.92 (38%). It sits in HS chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8903 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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