Plugs and sockets imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $52.5 million of plugs and sockets in 2024 (4.6 thousand tonnes). Value fell 10% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $65.6 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 | $52.5M | 4.6K t |
| 2023 | $58.4M | 7.2K t |
| 2022 | $65.6M | 9.2K t |
| 2021 | $65.1M | 7.8K t |
| 2020 | $44.9M | 6.3K t |
| 2019 | $53.7M | 6.0K t |
| 2018 | $55.9M | 7.3K t |
| 2017 | $51.0M | 4.7K t |
Where South Africa imports plugs and sockets from
The largest suppliers were China (46%), Germany (11%), United States (10%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $24.3M | 46% |
| Germany | $5.9M | 11% |
| United States | $5.5M | 10% |
| Italy | $2.1M | 4% |
| France | $2.1M | 3.9% |
| United Kingdom | $1.4M | 2.6% |
| Mexico | $1.3M | 2.4% |
| Belgium | $1.0M | 1.9% |
| Taiwan | $998K | 1.9% |
| Japan | $692K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.37 per kg, 69% below the world average of $36.14, 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.
Plugs and sockets exports from South Africa
Exports of plugs and sockets by South Africa reached $9.3 million in 2024 (679 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (22%), Zimbabwe (11%), Mozambique (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+103% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.0M | 22% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.1M | 12% |
| Mozambique | $978K | 11% |
| Botswana | $745K | 8% |
| DR Congo | $506K | 5.4% |
| Zambia | $500K | 5.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $494K | 5.3% |
| Eswatini | $479K | 5.2% |
| Lesotho | $441K | 4.7% |
| Australia | $266K | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plugs and sockets imports (HS 8536.69): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 8536.69: Electrical apparatus: plugs and sockets, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts.
Common questions
What is the value of plugs and sockets imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plugs and sockets worth $52.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 53rd of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply plugs and sockets to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($24.3 million), followed by Germany (11%) and the United States (10%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 97 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 23% on the year.
What is the average import price of plugs and sockets per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.37 per kg in 2024, 69% below the world average of $36.14 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of plugs and sockets to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $51.0 million in 2017 to $52.5 million in 2024, an increase of 3%. The peak was 2022 at $65.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $55.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plugs and sockets?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $43.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for plugs and sockets?
The HS code for plugs and sockets is subheading 8536.69. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8536 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.
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