Railway brakes (non-air) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of railway brakes (non-air) by South Africa reached $14.0 million in 2024 (784 tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 144 countries. Value fell 11% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 20% a year on average.
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 | $14.0M | 784 t |
| 2023 | $15.7M | 787 t |
| 2022 | $12.3M | 789 t |
| 2021 | $10.3M | 655 t |
| 2020 | $4.3M | 117 t |
| 2019 | $3.1M | 131 t |
| 2018 | $3.9M | 305 t |
| 2017 | $3.8M | 228 t |
Where South Africa imports railway brakes (non-air) from
Most of the value came from Germany (24%), Italy (24%), United States (20%). Among the main suppliers, Czech Republic grew fastest (+331% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $3.4M | 24% |
| Italy | $3.3M | 24% |
| United States | $2.7M | 20% |
| China | $1.3M | 9% |
| United Kingdom | $758K | 5.4% |
| North Macedonia | $519K | 3.7% |
| Czech Republic | $517K | 3.7% |
| Turkey | $462K | 3.3% |
| Canada | $233K | 1.7% |
| Serbia | $162K | 1.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $17.80 per kg, 70% above the world average of $10.46. 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.
Railway brakes (non-air) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.3 million of railway brakes (non-air) in 2024 (136 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were India (23%), Mozambique (19%), Kenya (13%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $294K | 23% |
| Mozambique | $248K | 19% |
| Kenya | $160K | 13% |
| Zambia | $133K | 10% |
| Guinea | $84K | 6.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $74K | 5.8% |
| United States | $57K | 4.4% |
| Nigeria | $45K | 3.5% |
| Eswatini | $45K | 3.5% |
| United Kingdom | $28K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa railway brakes (non-air) imports (HS 8607.29): 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 8607.29: Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock: parts, brakes (other than air brakes) and parts thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of railway brakes (non-air) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported railway brakes (non-air) worth $14.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 784 tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 144 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply railway brakes (non-air) to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by Italy (24%) and the United States (20%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. The Czech Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 331% on the year.
What is the average import price of railway brakes (non-air) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $17.80 per kg in 2024, 70% above the world average of $10.46 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of railway brakes (non-air) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.8 million in 2017 to $14.0 million in 2024, an increase of 266%. The peak was 2023 at $15.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export railway brakes (non-air)?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to India, Mozambique and Kenya. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $12.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for railway brakes (non-air)?
The HS code for railway brakes (non-air) is subheading 8607.29. It sits in HS chapter 86 (railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8607 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World railway brakes (non-air) trade: top importers and exporters
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