Specialized machinery imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of specialized machinery by South Africa reached $335.8 million in 2024 (69.1 thousand tonnes). That is 16% less 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 | $335.8M | 69.1K t |
| 2023 | $399.5M | 76.2K t |
| 2022 | $327.0M | 92.2K t |
| 2021 | $338.8M | 83.9K t |
| 2020 | $301.3M | 55.2K t |
| 2019 | $357.5M | 16.2K t |
| 2018 | $358.5M | 13.1K t |
| 2017 | $339.4M | 72.1K t |
Where South Africa imports specialized machinery from
The largest suppliers were China (21%), Germany (20%), Italy (9%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+67% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $71.9M | 21% |
| Germany | $66.2M | 20% |
| Italy | $29.8M | 8.9% |
| United States | $23.2M | 6.9% |
| Japan | $18.1M | 5.4% |
| United Kingdom | $16.0M | 4.8% |
| Netherlands | $11.7M | 3.5% |
| India | $9.4M | 2.8% |
| Turkey | $6.8M | 2% |
| Switzerland | $5.8M | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 8479
| 8479.89 | Machines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions, n.e.c. or included in this chapter | 47% |
| 8479.90 | Machines and mechanical appliances: parts, of those having individual functions | 22% |
| 8479.82 | Machines: for mixing, kneading, crushing, grinding, screening, sifting, homogenising, emulsifying or stirring | 13% |
| 8479.50 | Machinery and mechanical appliances: industrial robots, n.e.c. or included | 5.7% |
| 8479.10 | Machinery and mechanical appliances: for public works, building or the like | 5.3% |
| 8479.20 | Machinery: for the extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable fats or oils | 2.8% |
| 8479.40 | Machines: for making rope or cable | 1.6% |
| 8479.60 | Machinery and mechanical appliances: evaporative air coolers | 1.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8479.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.86 per kg, 74% below the world average of $18.55, 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.
Specialized machinery exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported specialized machinery worth $129.9 million (7.4 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Mexico (11%), DR Congo (10%), United States (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 31%. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+130% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $14.6M | 11% |
| DR Congo | $12.7M | 9.8% |
| United States | $12.6M | 9.7% |
| Namibia | $8.9M | 6.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $8.5M | 6.5% |
| Zambia | $6.5M | 5% |
| Mozambique | $4.5M | 3.5% |
| Australia | $4.4M | 3.4% |
| Botswana | $4.0M | 3.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $3.7M | 2.9% |
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 8479: Machinery and mechanical appliances; having individual functions, n.e.c. in this chapter.
Common questions
What is the value of specialized machinery imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported specialized machinery worth $335.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 69.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 224 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply specialized machinery to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($71.9 million), followed by Germany (20%) and Italy (9%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 100 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 67% on the year.
What is the average import price of specialized machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.86 per kg in 2024, 74% below the world average of $18.55 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 specialized machinery to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $339.4 million in 2017 to $335.8 million in 2024, a fall of 1%. The peak was 2023 at $399.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export specialized machinery?
Yes. South Africa exported $129.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mexico, the DR Congo and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $205.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for specialized machinery?
The HS code for specialized machinery is heading 8479. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8479.89 (47% of the value) and 8479.90 (22%). It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8479 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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