Semiconductor machinery imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $2.7 million of semiconductor machinery in 2024 (32 tonnes). Value rose 27% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $5.1 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 | $2.7M | 32 t |
| 2023 | $2.1M | 28 t |
| 2022 | $5.1M | 51 t |
| 2021 | $1.9M | 15 t |
| 2020 | $1.9M | 4.0K t |
| 2019 | $2.0M | 23 t |
| 2018 | $2.2M | 61 t |
| 2017 | $2.3M | 25 t |
Where South Africa imports semiconductor machinery from
Most of the value came from United States (50%), Germany (24%), China (14%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+971% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.3M | 50% |
| Germany | $646K | 24% |
| China | $364K | 14% |
| France | $122K | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | $52K | 1.9% |
| Thailand | $31K | 1.1% |
| Singapore | $24K | 0.9% |
| Italy | $20K | 0.7% |
| Spain | $16K | 0.6% |
| Switzerland | $14K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 8486
| 8486.20 | Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuits | 78% |
| 8486.90 | Machines and apparatus of heading 8486: parts and accessories | 11% |
| 8486.40 | Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture or repair of masks and reticles, assembling semiconductor devices or… | 7.1% |
| 8486.30 | Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of flat panel displays | 3.4% |
| 8486.10 | Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor boules or wafers | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8486.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $83.47 per kg, 66% below the world average of $245.60, 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.
Semiconductor machinery exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported semiconductor machinery worth $1.2 million (754 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (22%), United Kingdom (20%), Lesotho (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $262K | 22% |
| United Kingdom | $238K | 20% |
| Lesotho | $139K | 12% |
| United States | $92K | 7.7% |
| Papua New Guinea | $61K | 5% |
| Eswatini | $58K | 4.8% |
| Japan | $52K | 4.3% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $40K | 3.4% |
| Ghana | $40K | 3.3% |
| Namibia | $32K | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 8486: Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor boules or wafers, semiconductor devices, electronic integrated circuits or flat panel displays; machines & apparatus specified in note 11 (C) to this Chapter.
Common questions
What is the value of semiconductor machinery imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported semiconductor machinery worth $2.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 32 tonnes. That ranks it 68th of 196 countries worldwide. The value was up 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply semiconductor machinery to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 50% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by Germany (24%) and China (14%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 971% on the year.
What is the average import price of semiconductor machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $83.47 per kg in 2024, 66% below the world average of $245.60 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of semiconductor machinery to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.3 million in 2017 to $2.7 million in 2024, an increase of 15%. The peak was 2022 at $5.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export semiconductor machinery?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, the United Kingdom and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for semiconductor machinery?
The HS code for semiconductor machinery is heading 8486. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8486.20 (78% of the value) and 8486.90 (11%). 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 8486 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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