Printing machinery (other types) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $6.5 million of printing machinery (other types) in 2024 (242 tonnes). Value fell 53% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $14.4 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 | $6.5M | 242 t |
| 2023 | $13.9M | 273 t |
| 2022 | $9.0M | 210 t |
| 2021 | $9.1M | 222 t |
| 2020 | $5.6M | 127 t |
| 2019 | $12.6M | 295 t |
| 2018 | $12.6M | 314 t |
| 2017 | $14.4M | 387 t |
Where South Africa imports printing machinery (other types) from
Most of the value came from China (41%), United States (21%), Japan (12%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+780% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.7M | 41% |
| United States | $1.4M | 21% |
| Japan | $778K | 12% |
| Italy | $359K | 5.5% |
| Switzerland | $272K | 4.2% |
| Belgium | $230K | 3.5% |
| France | $138K | 2.1% |
| South Korea | $120K | 1.8% |
| Germany | $113K | 1.7% |
| India | $96K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $26.91 per kg, close to the world average of $27.23.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Printing machinery (other types) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported printing machinery (other types) worth $2.4 million (807 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (20%), Namibia (12%), Mozambique (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+145% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $486K | 20% |
| Namibia | $284K | 12% |
| Mozambique | $282K | 12% |
| Seychelles | $248K | 10% |
| Lesotho | $241K | 10% |
| Eswatini | $176K | 7.4% |
| Mauritius | $162K | 6.8% |
| DR Congo | $91K | 3.8% |
| Botswana | $86K | 3.6% |
| Zambia | $67K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa printing machinery (other types) imports (HS 8443.19): 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 8443.19: Printing machinery: used for printing by means of plates, cylinders and other printing components of heading 84.42, n.e.c. in item no. 8443.1.
Common questions
What is the value of printing machinery (other types) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported printing machinery (other types) worth $6.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 242 tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 203 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 53% on 2023.
Which countries supply printing machinery (other types) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($2.7 million), followed by the United States (21%) and Japan (12%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 780% on the year.
What is the average import price of printing machinery (other types) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $26.91 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $27.23 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of printing machinery (other types) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $14.4 million in 2017 to $6.5 million in 2024, a fall of 55%. The peak was 2017 at $14.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export printing machinery (other types)?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for printing machinery (other types)?
The HS code for printing machinery (other types) is subheading 8443.19. 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 8443 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 printing machinery (other types) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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