Rotary piston engines (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $7.3 million of rotary piston engines (other) in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). Value fell 22% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $10.9 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $9.3M | 606 t |
| 2022 | $8.5M | 631 t |
| 2021 | $9.1M | 714 t |
| 2020 | $7.8M | 629 t |
| 2019 | $9.4M | 735 t |
| 2018 | $9.8M | 755 t |
| 2017 | $10.9M | 903 t |
Where South Africa imports rotary piston engines (other) from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+390% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.4M | 60% |
| Thailand | $703K | 9.7% |
| Malaysia | $354K | 4.9% |
| United States | $293K | 4% |
| Canada | $290K | 4% |
| Germany | $245K | 3.4% |
| Mozambique | $205K | 2.8% |
| Namibia | $200K | 2.8% |
| United Kingdom | $169K | 2.3% |
| Angola | $129K | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.59 per kg, 28% below the world average of $9.13, 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.
Rotary piston engines (other) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported rotary piston engines (other) worth $3.4 million (518 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (17%), Nigeria (14%), Namibia (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $566K | 17% |
| Nigeria | $479K | 14% |
| Namibia | $414K | 12% |
| United Arab Emirates | $308K | 9.1% |
| Eswatini | $229K | 6.8% |
| Zambia | $208K | 6.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $161K | 4.8% |
| Mozambique | $147K | 4.4% |
| Australia | $146K | 4.3% |
| Lesotho | $97K | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa rotary piston engines (other) imports (HS 8407.90): 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 8407.90: Engines: rotary internal combustion piston engines, for other than aircraft or marine propulsion.
Common questions
What is the value of rotary piston engines (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported rotary piston engines (other) worth $7.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 205 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply rotary piston engines (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 60% of the value ($4.4 million), followed by Thailand (10%) and Malaysia (5%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 390% on the year.
What is the average import price of rotary piston engines (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.59 per kg in 2024, 28% below the world average of $9.13 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of rotary piston engines (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.9 million in 2017 to $7.3 million in 2024, a fall of 33%. The peak was 2017 at $10.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export rotary piston engines (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Nigeria and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for rotary piston engines (other)?
The HS code for rotary piston engines (other) is subheading 8407.90. 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 8407 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 rotary piston engines (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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