Surveying instruments (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of surveying instruments (other) by South Africa reached $39.5 million in 2024 (103 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 33% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average.
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 | $39.5M | 103 t |
| 2023 | $29.7M | 62 t |
| 2022 | $43.3M | 97 t |
| 2021 | $34.9M | 72 t |
| 2020 | $21.4M | 49 t |
| 2019 | $23.6M | 49 t |
| 2018 | $28.5M | 66 t |
| 2017 | $18.8M | 48 t |
Where South Africa imports surveying instruments (other) from
Most of the value came from United States (19%), Australia (13%), United Kingdom (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 41%. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+923% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $7.6M | 19% |
| Australia | $5.3M | 14% |
| United Kingdom | $3.1M | 7.9% |
| Germany | $2.9M | 7.3% |
| Italy | $2.3M | 5.7% |
| Canada | $2.1M | 5.4% |
| Austria | $2.1M | 5.4% |
| China | $1.5M | 3.7% |
| India | $1.4M | 3.7% |
| Netherlands | $1.4M | 3.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $384.08 per kg, 70% above the world average of $225.62. 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.
Surveying instruments (other) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $20.8 million of surveying instruments (other) in 2024 (74 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (14%), DR Congo (10%), Australia (5%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 30%. Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+341% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.9M | 14% |
| DR Congo | $2.1M | 10% |
| Australia | $1.1M | 5.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.1M | 5.3% |
| Zambia | $1.1M | 5.1% |
| United States | $1.0M | 5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $929K | 4.5% |
| Botswana | $910K | 4.4% |
| Ghana | $897K | 4.3% |
| Angola | $612K | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa surveying instruments (other) imports (HS 9015.80): 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 9015.80: Surveying equipment: articles n.e.c. in heading no. 9015, including hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances (excluding compasses).
Common questions
What is the value of surveying instruments (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported surveying instruments (other) worth $39.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 103 tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 220 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 33% on 2023.
Which countries supply surveying instruments (other) to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 19% of the value ($7.6 million), followed by Australia (13%) and the United Kingdom (8%). The top three together account for 41%, out of 81 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 923% on the year.
What is the average import price of surveying instruments (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $384.08 per kg in 2024, 70% above the world average of $225.62 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of surveying instruments (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $18.8 million in 2017 to $39.5 million in 2024, an increase of 110%. The peak was 2022 at $43.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $30.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export surveying instruments (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $20.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, the DR Congo and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $18.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for surveying instruments (other)?
The HS code for surveying instruments (other) is subheading 9015.80. 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?
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 surveying instruments (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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