Portable air compressors imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of portable air compressors by South Africa reached $18.1 million in 2024 (930 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value fell 9% from 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 | $18.1M | 930 t |
| 2023 | $20.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $14.7M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $13.9M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $8.6M | 888 t |
| 2019 | $14.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $13.5M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $12.4M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports portable air compressors from
The largest suppliers were India (29%), Belgium (19%), Germany (15%). Among the main suppliers, Lesotho grew fastest (+292% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $5.2M | 29% |
| Belgium | $3.5M | 19% |
| Germany | $2.7M | 15% |
| United States | $2.3M | 12% |
| China | $2.1M | 12% |
| Brazil | $697K | 3.8% |
| Lesotho | $519K | 2.9% |
| Madagascar | $265K | 1.5% |
| Italy | $184K | 1% |
| Singapore | $179K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $19.51 per kg, 97% above the world average of $9.90. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Portable air compressors exports from South Africa
Exports of portable air compressors by South Africa reached $7.1 million in 2024 (587 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Namibia (19%), Zimbabwe (13%), Botswana (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, Senegal grew fastest (+407% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.3M | 19% |
| Zimbabwe | $922K | 13% |
| Botswana | $898K | 13% |
| Mozambique | $809K | 11% |
| Zambia | $804K | 11% |
| DR Congo | $506K | 7.1% |
| Lesotho | $478K | 6.7% |
| Eswatini | $298K | 4.2% |
| Angola | $207K | 2.9% |
| Senegal | $196K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa portable air compressors imports (HS 8414.40): 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 8414.40: Compressors: air compressors mounted on a wheeled chassis for towing.
Common questions
What is the value of portable air compressors imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported portable air compressors worth $18.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 930 tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 213 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply portable air compressors to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($5.2 million), followed by Belgium (19%) and Germany (15%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 292% on the year.
What is the average import price of portable air compressors per kg?
The average declared import value was about $19.51 per kg in 2024, 97% above the world average of $9.90 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of portable air compressors to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.4 million in 2017 to $18.1 million in 2024, an increase of 47%. The peak was 2023 at $20.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $14.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export portable air compressors?
Yes. South Africa exported $7.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for portable air compressors?
The HS code for portable air compressors is subheading 8414.40. 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 8414 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World portable air compressors trade: top importers and exporters
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