Reversible heat pumps imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of reversible heat pumps by South Africa reached $12.4 million in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). Value rose 59% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $15.7 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 | $12.4M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $7.8M | 435 t |
| 2022 | $10.4M | 648 t |
| 2021 | $9.0M | 573 t |
| 2020 | $7.9M | 517 t |
| 2019 | $11.5M | 843 t |
| 2018 | $10.9M | 716 t |
| 2017 | $15.7M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa imports reversible heat pumps from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 86% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+60% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $10.7M | 86% |
| Thailand | $531K | 4.3% |
| France | $315K | 2.5% |
| Italy | $244K | 2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $171K | 1.4% |
| United States | $117K | 0.9% |
| Netherlands | $98K | 0.8% |
| Japan | $67K | 0.5% |
| Spain | $60K | 0.5% |
| Germany | $42K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.34 per kg, 42% below the world average of $12.60, 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.
Reversible heat pumps exports from South Africa
Exports of reversible heat pumps by South Africa reached $3.6 million in 2024 (257 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (43%), Zimbabwe (15%), Namibia (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Somalia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.5M | 43% |
| Zimbabwe | $533K | 15% |
| Namibia | $227K | 6.3% |
| Zambia | $213K | 5.9% |
| Lesotho | $182K | 5.1% |
| Somalia | $153K | 4.3% |
| Eswatini | $146K | 4.1% |
| Kenya | $124K | 3.5% |
| DR Congo | $121K | 3.4% |
| Mauritius | $103K | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa reversible heat pumps imports (HS 8415.81): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 8415.81: Air conditioning machines: containing a motor driven fan, other than window or wall types, incorporating a refrigerating unit and a valve for reversal of the cooling/heat cycle (reversible heat pumps).
Common questions
What is the value of reversible heat pumps imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported reversible heat pumps worth $12.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 52nd of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 59% on 2023.
Which countries supply reversible heat pumps to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 86% of the value ($10.7 million), followed by Thailand (4%) and France (3%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 402% on the year.
What is the average import price of reversible heat pumps per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.34 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $12.60 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of reversible heat pumps to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.7 million in 2017 to $12.4 million in 2024, a fall of 21%. The peak was 2017 at $15.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export reversible heat pumps?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for reversible heat pumps?
The HS code for reversible heat pumps is subheading 8415.81. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8415 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 reversible heat pumps trade: top importers and exporters
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