Specialized machinery parts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported specialized machinery parts worth $74.8 million (7.9 thousand tonnes). That is 8% 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 | $74.8M | 7.9K t |
| 2023 | $69.0M | 3.0K t |
| 2022 | $72.2M | 4.3K t |
| 2021 | $69.2M | 3.0K t |
| 2020 | $68.6M | 3.1K t |
| 2019 | $80.9M | 3.3K t |
| 2018 | $70.4M | 3.1K t |
| 2017 | $73.6M | 3.4K t |
Where South Africa imports specialized machinery parts from
The largest suppliers were China (22%), Germany (18%), United States (10%). Among the main suppliers, Croatia grew fastest (+360% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $16.6M | 22% |
| Germany | $13.6M | 18% |
| United States | $7.5M | 10% |
| Italy | $6.9M | 9.3% |
| Japan | $4.0M | 5.3% |
| United Kingdom | $3.7M | 4.9% |
| India | $3.1M | 4.2% |
| Switzerland | $2.5M | 3.3% |
| Croatia | $1.8M | 2.4% |
| Spain | $1.1M | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.45 per kg, 63% below the world average of $25.44, 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 parts exports from South Africa
Exports of specialized machinery parts by South Africa reached $44.2 million in 2024 (2.2 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United States (24%), Namibia (7%), DR Congo (6%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 37%. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+159% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $10.5M | 24% |
| Namibia | $3.2M | 7.3% |
| DR Congo | $2.7M | 6.1% |
| Zambia | $2.7M | 6% |
| Mozambique | $2.4M | 5.3% |
| Brazil | $1.7M | 3.9% |
| Mauritius | $1.4M | 3.2% |
| Tanzania | $1.4M | 3.1% |
| Ghana | $1.3M | 2.9% |
| Botswana | $1.3M | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa specialized machinery parts imports (HS 8479.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 8479.90: Machines and mechanical appliances: parts, of those having individual functions.
Common questions
What is the value of specialized machinery parts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported specialized machinery parts worth $74.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 220 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply specialized machinery parts to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 22% of the value ($16.6 million), followed by Germany (18%) and the United States (10%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 90 supplier countries in total. Croatia grew fastest among the top ten, up 360% on the year.
What is the average import price of specialized machinery parts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.45 per kg in 2024, 63% below the world average of $25.44 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of specialized machinery parts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $73.6 million in 2017 to $74.8 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2019 at $80.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $72.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export specialized machinery parts?
Yes. South Africa exported $44.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Namibia and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $30.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for specialized machinery parts?
The HS code for specialized machinery parts is subheading 8479.90. 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?
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
World specialized machinery parts trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
- Specialized machinery (other types)
- Industrial mixing and homogenizing machines
- Industrial robots
- Construction and public works machinery
- Oil extraction and pressing machinery
- Evaporative air coolers
- Rope and cable making machines
- Metal treating and winding machinery
- All South Africa trade data
- HS 8479 codes
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