Signal flare imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of signal flare by South Africa reached $3.6 million in 2024 (49 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 42% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $3.6M | 49 t |
| 2023 | $2.6M | 35 t |
| 2022 | $4.3M | 168 t |
| 2021 | $2.7M | 38 t |
| 2020 | $2.9M | 49 t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 46 t |
| 2018 | $2.1M | 44 t |
| 2017 | $2.6M | 49 t |
Where South Africa imports signal flare from
Most of the value came from Germany (42%), Czech Republic (37%), China (8%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+149% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.5M | 42% |
| Czech Republic | $1.4M | 37% |
| China | $275K | 7.6% |
| Spain | $135K | 3.7% |
| Italy | $129K | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $77K | 2.1% |
| Greece | $65K | 1.8% |
| Sweden | $17K | 0.5% |
| Austria | $16K | 0.4% |
| Australia | $13K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $74.28 per kg, 98% above the world average of $37.61. 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.
Signal flare exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.4 million of signal flare in 2024 (64 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Australia (26%), United States (18%), Canada (15%). Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+329% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $363K | 26% |
| United States | $250K | 18% |
| Canada | $208K | 15% |
| Namibia | $193K | 14% |
| Italy | $56K | 4.1% |
| France | $47K | 3.4% |
| Angola | $45K | 3.2% |
| Mozambique | $42K | 3.1% |
| Uganda | $31K | 2.2% |
| New Zealand | $25K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa signal flare imports (HS 3604.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 3604.90: Pyrotechnic products: signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles (excluding fireworks).
Common questions
What is the value of signal flare imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported signal flare worth $3.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 49 tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 173 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 42% on 2023.
Which countries supply signal flare to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 42% of the value ($1.5 million), followed by the Czech Republic (37%) and China (8%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. Greece grew fastest among the top ten, up 653% on the year.
What is the average import price of signal flare per kg?
The average declared import value was about $74.28 per kg in 2024, 98% above the world average of $37.61 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of signal flare to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.6 million in 2017 to $3.6 million in 2024, an increase of 39%. The peak was 2022 at $4.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export signal flare?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Australia, the United States and Canada. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for signal flare?
The HS code for signal flare is subheading 3604.90. It sits in HS chapter 36 (explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3604 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.
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