Spectrometers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of spectrometers by South Africa reached $18.5 million in 2024 (58 tonnes). That is 10% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $23.4 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 | $18.5M | 58 t |
| 2023 | $20.7M | 34 t |
| 2022 | $23.4M | 42 t |
| 2021 | $22.5M | 41 t |
| 2020 | $15.7M | 32 t |
| 2019 | $19.3M | 39 t |
| 2018 | $20.6M | 44 t |
| 2017 | $18.5M | 43 t |
Where South Africa imports spectrometers from
Most of the value came from Germany (29%), United States (26%), Japan (6%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+558% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $5.3M | 29% |
| United States | $4.9M | 26% |
| Japan | $1.2M | 6.3% |
| China | $1.0M | 5.5% |
| United Kingdom | $743K | 4% |
| Denmark | $529K | 2.9% |
| Singapore | $483K | 2.6% |
| Estonia | $460K | 2.5% |
| Switzerland | $371K | 2% |
| Netherlands | $322K | 1.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $320.90 per kg, 26% below the world average of $431.12, 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.
Spectrometers exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $9.6 million of spectrometers in 2024 (18 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (15%), Mozambique (10%), Tanzania (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 34%. Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.4M | 15% |
| Mozambique | $976K | 10% |
| Tanzania | $845K | 8.8% |
| DR Congo | $822K | 8.6% |
| Ghana | $809K | 8.4% |
| Mali | $447K | 4.7% |
| Botswana | $422K | 4.4% |
| Malawi | $388K | 4% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $310K | 3.2% |
| Angola | $266K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa spectrometers imports (HS 9027.30): 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 9027.30: Spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs: using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR).
Common questions
What is the value of spectrometers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported spectrometers worth $18.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 58 tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 201 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply spectrometers to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($5.3 million), followed by the United States (26%) and Japan (6%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 54 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 558% on the year.
What is the average import price of spectrometers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $320.90 per kg in 2024, 26% below the world average of $431.12 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of spectrometers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $18.5 million in 2017 to $18.5 million in 2024, an increase of 0%. The peak was 2022 at $23.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $19.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export spectrometers?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Tanzania. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $9.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for spectrometers?
The HS code for spectrometers is subheading 9027.30. 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 9027 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.
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