Semiconductor parts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported semiconductor parts worth $7.5 million (1.6 thousand tonnes). Value rose 41% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 22% 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 | $7.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $5.3M | 980 t |
| 2022 | $4.8M | 458 t |
| 2021 | $3.2M | 232 t |
| 2020 | $2.1M | 120 t |
| 2019 | $2.1M | 124 t |
| 2018 | $2.6M | 112 t |
| 2017 | $1.8M | 115 t |
Where South Africa imports semiconductor parts from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 86% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+109% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.4M | 86% |
| United States | $438K | 5.9% |
| Taiwan | $165K | 2.2% |
| Italy | $84K | 1.1% |
| Germany | $45K | 0.6% |
| Malaysia | $38K | 0.5% |
| Hong Kong | $37K | 0.5% |
| South Korea | $36K | 0.5% |
| Spain | $33K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $33K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.72 per kg, 70% below the world average of $15.79, 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 parts exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.7 million of semiconductor parts in 2024 (238 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (25%), Botswana (15%), Namibia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, Singapore grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $417K | 25% |
| Botswana | $251K | 15% |
| Namibia | $158K | 9.5% |
| Mozambique | $157K | 9.4% |
| United States | $121K | 7.3% |
| DR Congo | $65K | 3.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $56K | 3.3% |
| Mauritius | $50K | 3% |
| Singapore | $49K | 2.9% |
| Australia | $48K | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa semiconductor parts imports (HS 8541.90): 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 8541.90: Electrical apparatus: parts for diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices and photosensitive semiconductor devices.
Common questions
What is the value of semiconductor parts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported semiconductor parts worth $7.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 205 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 41% on 2023.
Which countries supply semiconductor parts to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 86% of the value ($6.4 million), followed by the United States (6%) and Taiwan (2%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 45 supplier countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 624% on the year.
What is the average import price of semiconductor parts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.72 per kg in 2024, 70% below the world average of $15.79 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of semiconductor parts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.8 million in 2017 to $7.5 million in 2024, an increase of 308%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export semiconductor parts?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for semiconductor parts?
The HS code for semiconductor parts is subheading 8541.90. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8541 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 semiconductor parts trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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