Spirit levels and transit levels imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported spirit levels and transit levels worth $2.4 million (56 tonnes). That is 41% 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 | $2.4M | 56 t |
| 2023 | $1.7M | 27 t |
| 2022 | $2.1M | 33 t |
| 2021 | $2.6M | 40 t |
| 2020 | $1.5M | 25 t |
| 2019 | $1.8M | 31 t |
| 2018 | $2.3M | 33 t |
| 2017 | $1.8M | 34 t |
Where South Africa imports spirit levels and transit levels from
China alone supplied 59% of it. Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+245% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.4M | 59% |
| Germany | $372K | 15% |
| Switzerland | $334K | 14% |
| Netherlands | $109K | 4.5% |
| United States | $38K | 1.6% |
| Malaysia | $28K | 1.2% |
| Singapore | $12K | 0.5% |
| Luxembourg | $12K | 0.5% |
| Hungary | $11K | 0.5% |
| Taiwan | $11K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $43.00 per kg, 39% above the world average of $30.95. 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.
Spirit levels and transit levels exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $478 thousand of spirit levels and transit levels in 2024 (9 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (22%), Botswana (18%), Zambia (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $104K | 22% |
| Botswana | $84K | 18% |
| Zambia | $61K | 13% |
| Mozambique | $52K | 11% |
| Namibia | $37K | 7.7% |
| Tanzania | $32K | 6.6% |
| Eswatini | $22K | 4.5% |
| Lesotho | $16K | 3.3% |
| DR Congo | $16K | 3.3% |
| Uganda | $11K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa spirit levels and transit levels imports (HS 9015.30): 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 9015.30: Surveying equipment: levels.
Common questions
What is the value of spirit levels and transit levels imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported spirit levels and transit levels worth $2.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 56 tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 41% on 2023.
Which countries supply spirit levels and transit levels to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 59% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by Germany (15%) and Switzerland (14%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 245% on the year.
What is the average import price of spirit levels and transit levels per kg?
The average declared import value was about $43.00 per kg in 2024, 39% above the world average of $30.95 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of spirit levels and transit levels to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.8 million in 2017 to $2.4 million in 2024, an increase of 31%. The peak was 2021 at $2.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export spirit levels and transit levels?
Yes. South Africa exported $478 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for spirit levels and transit levels?
The HS code for spirit levels and transit levels is subheading 9015.30. 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 9015 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World spirit levels and transit levels trade: top importers and exporters
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