Railway signalling equipment imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported railway signalling equipment worth $5.5 million (80 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 408% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $7.2 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 | $5.5M | 80 t |
| 2023 | $1.1M | 109 t |
| 2022 | $1.6M | 105 t |
| 2021 | $508K | 51 t |
| 2020 | $673K | 6 t |
| 2019 | $2.4M | 16 t |
| 2018 | $7.2M | 54 t |
| 2017 | $2.8M | 12 t |
Where South Africa imports railway signalling equipment from
China alone supplied 83% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.5M | 83% |
| Germany | $378K | 6.9% |
| India | $163K | 3% |
| Canada | $75K | 1.4% |
| Austria | $70K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $69K | 1.3% |
| Croatia | $55K | 1% |
| Sweden | $34K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $30K | 0.6% |
| Taiwan | $10K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $67.83 per kg, 55% below the world average of $151.44, 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.
Railway signalling equipment exports from South Africa
Exports of railway signalling equipment by South Africa reached $331 thousand in 2024 (4 tonnes). Most of it went to Kuwait (37%), Liberia (23%), Namibia (22%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait | $122K | 37% |
| Liberia | $77K | 23% |
| Namibia | $73K | 22% |
| DR Congo | $31K | 9.5% |
| Lesotho | $21K | 6.2% |
| Peru | $4K | 1.2% |
| Nigeria | $1K | 0.2% |
| United States | $1K | 0.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $1K | 0.2% |
| Australia | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa railway signalling equipment imports (HS 8530.10): 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 8530.10: Signalling, safety or traffic control equipment: for railways or tramways (excluding those of heading no. 8608).
Common questions
What is the value of railway signalling equipment imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported railway signalling equipment worth $5.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 80 tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 141 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 408% on 2023.
Which countries supply railway signalling equipment to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 83% of the value ($4.5 million), followed by Germany (7%) and India (3%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 190% on the year.
What is the average import price of railway signalling equipment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $67.83 per kg in 2024, 55% below the world average of $151.44 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of railway signalling equipment to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.8 million in 2017 to $5.5 million in 2024, an increase of 98%. The peak was 2018 at $7.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export railway signalling equipment?
Yes. South Africa exported $331 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Kuwait, Liberia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for railway signalling equipment?
The HS code for railway signalling equipment is subheading 8530.10. 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 8530 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.
Same product, other countries
World railway signalling equipment trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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