Semi-trailer tractors imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported semi-trailer tractors worth $417.9 million (36.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 13% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $417.9M | 36.6K t |
| 2023 | $481.1M | 37.0K t |
| 2022 | $326.7M | 30.0K t |
| 2021 | $284.9M | 28.4K t |
| 2020 | $190.7M | 21.3K t |
| 2019 | $261.1M | 21.1K t |
| 2018 | $330.2M | 36.1K t |
| 2017 | $219.8M | 24.0K t |
Where South Africa imports semi-trailer tractors from
The largest suppliers were Brazil (31%), Germany (24%), China (12%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+916% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $130.4M | 31% |
| Germany | $98.9M | 24% |
| China | $48.7M | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $30.4M | 7.3% |
| Sweden | $29.3M | 7% |
| Japan | $28.7M | 6.9% |
| India | $24.4M | 5.8% |
| Spain | $7.7M | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $5.9M | 1.4% |
| Singapore | $4.2M | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.43 per kg, 45% above the world average of $7.89. 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.
Semi-trailer tractors exports from South Africa
Exports of semi-trailer tractors by South Africa reached $160.6 million in 2024 (26.2 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (29%), Botswana (21%), Zambia (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+99% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $46.2M | 29% |
| Botswana | $33.7M | 21% |
| Zambia | $24.8M | 15% |
| Zimbabwe | $14.8M | 9.2% |
| Mozambique | $13.1M | 8.2% |
| Tanzania | $10.8M | 6.7% |
| Eswatini | $6.5M | 4% |
| Malawi | $3.2M | 2% |
| Lesotho | $1.9M | 1.2% |
| DR Congo | $1.2M | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa semi-trailer tractors imports (HS 8701.20): 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 8701.20: Tractors: road, for semi-trailers.
Common questions
What is the value of semi-trailer tractors imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported semi-trailer tractors worth $417.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 36.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 212 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply semi-trailer tractors to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($130.4 million), followed by Germany (24%) and China (12%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 916% on the year.
What is the average import price of semi-trailer tractors per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.43 per kg in 2024, 45% above the world average of $7.89 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of semi-trailer tractors to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $219.8 million in 2017 to $417.9 million in 2024, an increase of 90%. The peak was 2023 at $481.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $314.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export semi-trailer tractors?
Yes. South Africa exported $160.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $257.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for semi-trailer tractors?
The HS code for semi-trailer tractors is subheading 8701.20. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8701 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 semi-trailer tractors trade: top importers and exporters
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