Ships imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of ships by South Africa reached $32.3 million in 2024 (21.0 thousand tonnes). Value fell 5% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 27% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $95.3 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 | $32.3M | 21.0K t |
| 2023 | $33.9M | 26.4K t |
| 2022 | $25.3M | 9.7K t |
| 2021 | $95.3M | 76.3K t |
| 2020 | $22.8M | 39 t |
| 2019 | $36.5M | 26.1K t |
| 2018 | $44.8M | 4.0K t |
| 2017 | $6.2M | 246 t |
Where South Africa imports ships from
Most of the value came from Angola (29%), Mauritius (20%), United States (17%). Among the main suppliers, Mozambique grew fastest (+966% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Angola | $9.5M | 29% |
| Mauritius | $6.5M | 20% |
| United States | $5.5M | 17% |
| Togo | $5.1M | 16% |
| Saudi Arabia | $2.5M | 7.7% |
| Singapore | $2.0M | 6.2% |
| Mozambique | $1.3M | 3.9% |
| China | $53K | 0.2% |
| Netherlands | $11K | 0% |
| Slovakia | $2K | 0% |
Product types under HS 8901
| 8901.20 | Tankers | 79% |
| 8901.90 | Vessels: n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods | 16% |
| 8901.10 | Cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels, principally designed for the transport of persons, ferry boats of all kinds | 4.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.54 per kg, 40% below the world average of $2.55, 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.
Ships exports from South Africa
Exports of ships by South Africa reached $14.1 million in 2024 (3.7 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Estonia (34%), Republic of the Congo (33%), Mozambique (9%). Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+233% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Estonia | $4.8M | 34% |
| Republic of the Congo | $4.7M | 33% |
| Mozambique | $1.3M | 9.4% |
| Senegal | $789K | 5.6% |
| Tanzania | $696K | 5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $367K | 2.6% |
| Nigeria | $345K | 2.5% |
| Zambia | $253K | 1.8% |
| Egypt | $246K | 1.7% |
| Namibia | $229K | 1.6% |
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 8901: Cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry-boats, cargo ships, barges and similar vessels for the transport of persons or goods.
Common questions
What is the value of ships imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported ships worth $32.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 21.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 75th of 185 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply ships to South Africa?
Angola was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($9.5 million), followed by Mauritius (20%) and the United States (17%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 966% on the year.
What is the average import price of ships per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.54 per kg in 2024, 40% below the world average of $2.55 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 ships to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.2 million in 2017 to $32.3 million in 2024, an increase of 420%. The peak was 2021 at $95.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export ships?
Yes. South Africa exported $14.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Estonia, the Republic of the Congo and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $18.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for ships?
The HS code for ships is heading 8901. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8901.20 (79% of the value) and 8901.90 (16%). It sits in HS chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8901 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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.