Railway wheels and axles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $35.8 million of railway wheels and axles in 2024 (16.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 34% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $53.9 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 | $35.8M | 16.4K t |
| 2023 | $26.7M | 10.1K t |
| 2022 | $27.9M | 11.6K t |
| 2021 | $26.0M | 12.2K t |
| 2020 | $21.9M | 15.0K t |
| 2019 | $42.4M | 11.2K t |
| 2018 | $45.6M | 12.3K t |
| 2017 | $53.9M | 18.3K t |
Where South Africa imports railway wheels and axles from
Italy alone supplied 58% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+343% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $20.7M | 58% |
| China | $8.3M | 23% |
| India | $2.1M | 6% |
| France | $1.7M | 4.8% |
| Brazil | $731K | 2% |
| United States | $627K | 1.8% |
| Germany | $483K | 1.4% |
| Netherlands | $345K | 1% |
| Ukraine | $193K | 0.5% |
| Czech Republic | $94K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.18 per kg, 26% below the world average of $2.96, 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 wheels and axles exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported railway wheels and axles worth $9.6 million (1.7 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Germany (28%), United Kingdom (26%), Nigeria (12%). Among the main buyer markets, United Kingdom grew fastest (+99% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.6M | 28% |
| United Kingdom | $2.5M | 26% |
| Nigeria | $1.1M | 12% |
| Netherlands | $701K | 7.3% |
| India | $432K | 4.5% |
| United States | $321K | 3.4% |
| Canada | $212K | 2.2% |
| Angola | $188K | 2% |
| Greece | $151K | 1.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $140K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa railway wheels and axles imports (HS 8607.19): 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 8607.19: Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock: parts, axles and wheels, and parts thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of railway wheels and axles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported railway wheels and axles worth $35.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 16.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 168 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 34% on 2023.
Which countries supply railway wheels and axles to South Africa?
Italy was the largest supplier with 58% of the value ($20.7 million), followed by China (23%) and India (6%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 343% on the year.
What is the average import price of railway wheels and axles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.18 per kg in 2024, 26% below the world average of $2.96 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of railway wheels and axles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $53.9 million in 2017 to $35.8 million in 2024, a fall of 34%. The peak was 2017 at $53.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $35.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export railway wheels and axles?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, the United Kingdom and Nigeria. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $26.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for railway wheels and axles?
The HS code for railway wheels and axles is subheading 8607.19. 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?
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 railway wheels and axles trade: top importers and exporters
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