Spark plugs imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $25.2 million of spark plugs in 2024 (406 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 19% more than in 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 | $25.2M | 406 t |
| 2023 | $21.2M | 330 t |
| 2022 | $24.1M | 447 t |
| 2021 | $25.9M | 523 t |
| 2020 | $18.7M | 417 t |
| 2019 | $22.4M | 506 t |
| 2018 | $23.5M | 517 t |
| 2017 | $22.5M | 549 t |
Where South Africa imports spark plugs from
Most of the value came from Germany (39%), Japan (17%), Thailand (16%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+147% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $9.9M | 39% |
| Japan | $4.4M | 17% |
| Thailand | $3.9M | 16% |
| China | $2.2M | 8.6% |
| India | $1.8M | 7.1% |
| United States | $828K | 3.3% |
| South Korea | $692K | 2.7% |
| France | $469K | 1.9% |
| Indonesia | $210K | 0.8% |
| Mexico | $184K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $62.23 per kg, 43% above the world average of $43.58. 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.
Spark plugs exports from South Africa
Exports of spark plugs by South Africa reached $8.9 million in 2024 (300 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (29%), Namibia (23%), Zimbabwe (14%). Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+213% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $2.6M | 29% |
| Namibia | $2.0M | 23% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 14% |
| Eswatini | $691K | 7.8% |
| Lesotho | $542K | 6.1% |
| Mozambique | $435K | 4.9% |
| France | $245K | 2.8% |
| Kenya | $159K | 1.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $146K | 1.7% |
| Zambia | $141K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa spark plugs imports (HS 8511.10): 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 8511.10: Ignition or starting equipment: spark plugs, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines.
Common questions
What is the value of spark plugs imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported spark plugs worth $25.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 406 tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 220 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply spark plugs to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 39% of the value ($9.9 million), followed by Japan (17%) and Thailand (16%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 57 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 147% on the year.
What is the average import price of spark plugs per kg?
The average declared import value was about $62.23 per kg in 2024, 43% above the world average of $43.58 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of spark plugs to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $22.5 million in 2017 to $25.2 million in 2024, an increase of 12%. The peak was 2021 at $25.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $22.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export spark plugs?
Yes. South Africa exported $8.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $16.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for spark plugs?
The HS code for spark plugs is subheading 8511.10. 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 8511 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
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.