Specialized photographic cameras exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of specialized photographic cameras by South Africa reached $7.1 million in 2024 (2 tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 91 countries. That is 85% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 57% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $54.1 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 | $7.1M | 2 t |
| 2023 | $47.1M | 2 t |
| 2022 | $54.1M | 2 t |
| 2021 | $16.5M | 2 t |
| 2020 | $304K | 4 t |
| 2019 | $422K | 1 t |
| 2018 | $1.2M | 14 t |
| 2017 | $303K | 1 t |
Where South Africa exports specialized photographic cameras to
One buyer market dominates: Italy accounted for 80% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+113% on the year before).
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3,553.85 per kg, 5401% above the world average of $64.60. 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.
Specialized photographic cameras imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $2.3 million of specialized photographic cameras in 2024 (59 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were Turkey (38%), Germany (30%), China (11%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+729% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $889K | 38% |
| Germany | $709K | 31% |
| China | $255K | 11% |
| United States | $226K | 9.7% |
| Australia | $42K | 1.8% |
| Greece | $39K | 1.7% |
| Denmark | $36K | 1.5% |
| Zambia | $35K | 1.5% |
| Switzerland | $33K | 1.4% |
| United Kingdom | $12K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa specialized photographic cameras exports (HS 9006.30): 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 9006.30: Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic): specially designed for underwater use, aerial survey, medical or surgical examination of internal organs: comparison cameras for forensic or criminological use.
Common questions
What is the value of specialized photographic cameras exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported specialized photographic cameras worth $7.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2 tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 91 countries worldwide, with 4% of world exports. The value was down 85% on 2023.
Which countries buy specialized photographic cameras from South Africa?
Italy was the largest buyer with 80% of the value ($5.7 million), followed by Nigeria (13%) and Germany (1%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 26 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 1000% on the year.
What is the average export price of specialized photographic cameras per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3,553.85 per kg in 2024, 5401% above the world average of $64.60 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of specialized photographic cameras from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $303 thousand in 2017 to $7.1 million in 2024. The peak was 2022 at $54.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also import specialized photographic cameras?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Turkey, Germany and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for specialized photographic cameras?
The HS code for specialized photographic cameras is subheading 9006.30. It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9006 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World specialized photographic cameras trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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