Specialized service vehicles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of specialized service vehicles by South Africa reached $38.3 million in 2024 (4.0 thousand tonnes). That is 37% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $60.7 million.
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 | $38.3M | 4.0K t |
| 2023 | $60.7M | 5.2K t |
| 2022 | $19.1M | 1.8K t |
| 2021 | $21.5M | 2.1K t |
| 2020 | $14.1M | 1.5K t |
| 2019 | $12.8M | 1.3K t |
| 2018 | $13.3M | 1.0K t |
| 2017 | $21.9M | 2.3K t |
Where South Africa imports specialized service vehicles from
Most of the value came from United States (38%), China (19%), Germany (12%). Among the main suppliers, Botswana grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $14.7M | 38% |
| China | $7.4M | 19% |
| Germany | $4.5M | 12% |
| Botswana | $2.0M | 5.3% |
| Italy | $1.3M | 3.3% |
| Thailand | $1.1M | 2.9% |
| Iran | $1.1M | 2.8% |
| Mexico | $1.0M | 2.7% |
| Spain | $1.0M | 2.6% |
| Finland | $744K | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.54 per kg, close to the world average of $11.05.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Specialized service vehicles exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported specialized service vehicles worth $33.2 million (2.7 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (21%), Cote d'Ivoire (19%), Namibia (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+175% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $7.0M | 21% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $6.3M | 19% |
| Namibia | $4.0M | 12% |
| Botswana | $3.3M | 9.8% |
| Mozambique | $3.1M | 9.4% |
| DR Congo | $2.0M | 5.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.8M | 5.5% |
| Ghana | $1.4M | 4.3% |
| Canada | $960K | 2.9% |
| Lesotho | $865K | 2.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa specialized service vehicles imports (HS 8705.90): 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 8705.90: Vehicles: break-down lorries, road-sweepers, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other special purpose vehicles n.e.c. in heading no. 8705.
Common questions
What is the value of specialized service vehicles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported specialized service vehicles worth $38.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 212 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 37% on 2023.
Which countries supply specialized service vehicles to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($14.7 million), followed by China (19%) and Germany (12%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 257% on the year.
What is the average import price of specialized service vehicles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.54 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $11.05 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of specialized service vehicles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $21.9 million in 2017 to $38.3 million in 2024, an increase of 75%. The peak was 2023 at $60.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $25.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export specialized service vehicles?
Yes. South Africa exported $33.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Cote d'Ivoire and Namibia. That compares with imports of $38.3 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for specialized service vehicles?
The HS code for specialized service vehicles is subheading 8705.90. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8705 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 service vehicles trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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