Recorded optical discs imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $17.7 million of recorded optical discs in 2024 (112 tonnes). Value rose 19% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 18% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $73.4 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 | $17.7M | 112 t |
| 2023 | $14.9M | 119 t |
| 2022 | $19.7M | 236 t |
| 2021 | $24.7M | 355 t |
| 2020 | $22.4M | 197 t |
| 2019 | $39.3M | 112 t |
| 2018 | $65.2M | 169 t |
| 2017 | $73.4M | 1.3K t |
Where South Africa imports recorded optical discs from
Most of the value came from China (38%), Austria (12%), Germany (11%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+352% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.7M | 38% |
| Austria | $2.0M | 12% |
| Germany | $2.0M | 11% |
| United Kingdom | $1.6M | 9.1% |
| Czech Republic | $1.0M | 5.7% |
| United States | $927K | 5.3% |
| Singapore | $708K | 4% |
| Netherlands | $561K | 3.2% |
| Japan | $468K | 2.7% |
| Ireland | $260K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $157.22 per kg, 167% above the world average of $58.85. 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.
Recorded optical discs exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $7.7 million of recorded optical discs in 2024 (20 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Taiwan (21%), Zimbabwe (16%), United States (16%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | $1.6M | 21% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.2M | 16% |
| United States | $1.2M | 16% |
| China | $710K | 9.3% |
| Angola | $525K | 6.9% |
| Kenya | $353K | 4.6% |
| Botswana | $350K | 4.6% |
| Zambia | $215K | 2.8% |
| Malawi | $166K | 2.2% |
| Kazakhstan | $133K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa recorded optical discs imports (HS 8523.49): 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 8523.49: Optical media: recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Common questions
What is the value of recorded optical discs imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported recorded optical discs worth $17.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 112 tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply recorded optical discs to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($6.7 million), followed by Austria (12%) and Germany (11%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 80 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 352% on the year.
What is the average import price of recorded optical discs per kg?
The average declared import value was about $157.22 per kg in 2024, 167% above the world average of $58.85 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of recorded optical discs to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $73.4 million in 2017 to $17.7 million in 2024, a fall of 76%. The peak was 2017 at $73.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $34.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export recorded optical discs?
Yes. South Africa exported $7.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Taiwan, Zimbabwe and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $10.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for recorded optical discs?
The HS code for recorded optical discs is subheading 8523.49. 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 8523 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 recorded optical discs trade: top importers and exporters
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