Recording test instruments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.2 million of recording test instruments in 2024 (12 tonnes). That is 36% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $3.2M | 12 t |
| 2023 | $2.4M | 3 t |
| 2022 | $2.3M | 2 t |
| 2021 | $1.4M | 2 t |
| 2020 | $1.7M | 14 t |
| 2019 | $2.4M | 3 t |
| 2018 | $3.3M | 6 t |
| 2017 | $2.8M | 4 t |
Where South Africa imports recording test instruments from
Most of the value came from Austria (26%), United Kingdom (16%), Malaysia (16%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+643% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | $848K | 26% |
| United Kingdom | $521K | 16% |
| Malaysia | $498K | 16% |
| United States | $337K | 11% |
| Germany | $305K | 9.5% |
| China | $275K | 8.6% |
| Canada | $175K | 5.4% |
| Singapore | $64K | 2% |
| Italy | $60K | 1.9% |
| India | $29K | 0.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $279.15 per kg, 36% below the world average of $436.67, 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.
Recording test instruments exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported recording test instruments worth $580 thousand (1 tonnes). Most of it went to United States (39%), Mozambique (34%), Zimbabwe (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+659% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $227K | 39% |
| Mozambique | $198K | 34% |
| Zimbabwe | $33K | 5.6% |
| DR Congo | $14K | 2.4% |
| Italy | $13K | 2.2% |
| Eswatini | $12K | 2.1% |
| Kenya | $10K | 1.7% |
| Zambia | $10K | 1.7% |
| Angola | $9K | 1.5% |
| Botswana | $8K | 1.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa recording test instruments imports (HS 9030.84): 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 9030.84: Instruments and apparatus: n.e.c. in heading no. 9030, with a recording device.
Common questions
What is the value of recording test instruments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported recording test instruments worth $3.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12 tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 196 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 36% on 2023.
Which countries supply recording test instruments to South Africa?
Austria was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($848 thousand), followed by the United Kingdom (16%) and Malaysia (16%). The top three together account for 58%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 643% on the year.
What is the average import price of recording test instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $279.15 per kg in 2024, 36% below the world average of $436.67 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of recording test instruments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.8 million in 2017 to $3.2 million in 2024, an increase of 13%. The peak was 2018 at $3.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export recording test instruments?
Yes. South Africa exported $580 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for recording test instruments?
The HS code for recording test instruments is subheading 9030.84. It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9030 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 recording test instruments trade: top importers and exporters
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