Specialist vessels exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $10.4 million of specialist vessels in 2024 (508 tonnes). Value fell 70% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $949.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $10.4M | 508 t |
| 2023 | $34.7M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $97.5M | 6.6K t |
| 2021 | $275.5M | 29.7K t |
| 2020 | $949.2M | 78 t |
| 2019 | $569K | 122 t |
| 2018 | $59.1M | 2.5K t |
| 2017 | $9.3M | 821 t |
Where South Africa exports specialist vessels to
One buyer market dominates: Mozambique accounted for 94% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $9.8M | 94% |
| Zambia | $413K | 4% |
| Namibia | $44K | 0.4% |
| United States | $38K | 0.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $36K | 0.3% |
| Lesotho | $27K | 0.3% |
| Botswana | $17K | 0.2% |
| DR Congo | $17K | 0.2% |
| Seychelles | $7K | 0.1% |
| Republic of the Congo | $6K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 8905
| 8905.20 | Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms | 74% |
| 8905.10 | Dredgers | 25% |
| 8905.90 | Vessels: light, fire-floats, floating cranes and other vessels, the navigability of which is subsidiary to their main function, floating docks | 1.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8905.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.47 per kg, 197% above the world average of $6.89. 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.
Specialist vessels imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $3.0 million of specialist vessels in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). Nigeria alone supplied 73% of it. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+190% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $2.2M | 73% |
| United States | $359K | 12% |
| Italy | $335K | 11% |
| Canada | $43K | 1.4% |
| Lesotho | $41K | 1.4% |
| Namibia | $16K | 0.5% |
| Mauritius | $16K | 0.5% |
| Mozambique | $8K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $8K | 0.3% |
| China | $3K | 0.1% |
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 8905: Light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, floating cranes, other vessels; the navigability of which is subsidiary to main function; floating docks, floating, submersible drilling, production platforms.
Common questions
What is the value of specialist vessels exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported specialist vessels worth $10.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 508 tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 97 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 70% on 2023.
Which countries buy specialist vessels from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 94% of the value ($9.8 million), followed by Zambia (4%) and Namibia (0%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 15 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 204% on the year.
What is the average export price of specialist vessels per kg?
The average declared export value was about $20.47 per kg in 2024, 197% above the world average of $6.89 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 exports of specialist vessels from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $9.3 million in 2017 to $10.4 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2020 at $949.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import specialist vessels?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Nigeria, the United States and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $7.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for specialist vessels?
The HS code for specialist vessels is heading 8905. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8905.20 (74% of the value) and 8905.10 (25%). It sits in HS chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8905 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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