Telecommunications test equipment imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported telecommunications test equipment worth $4.8 million (7 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $11.7 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.8M | 7 t |
| 2023 | $4.8M | 5 t |
| 2022 | $4.4M | 5 t |
| 2021 | $5.0M | 5 t |
| 2020 | $4.6M | 9 t |
| 2019 | $11.7M | 12 t |
| 2018 | $7.2M | 9 t |
| 2017 | $8.7M | 9 t |
Where South Africa imports telecommunications test equipment from
The largest suppliers were United States (35%), China (9%), Germany (8%). Among the main suppliers, Canada grew fastest (+386% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.7M | 35% |
| China | $416K | 8.7% |
| Germany | $366K | 7.6% |
| Canada | $345K | 7.2% |
| Singapore | $334K | 7% |
| Malaysia | $290K | 6.1% |
| Taiwan | $270K | 5.6% |
| Japan | $177K | 3.7% |
| Switzerland | $154K | 3.2% |
| Finland | $142K | 3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $704.37 per kg, 30% below the world average of $1,012.74, 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.
Telecommunications test equipment exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported telecommunications test equipment worth $2.9 million (4 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: United States accounted for 54% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.6M | 54% |
| Germany | $319K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $254K | 8.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $126K | 4.4% |
| Singapore | $123K | 4.2% |
| France | $98K | 3.4% |
| Australia | $78K | 2.7% |
| United Kingdom | $72K | 2.5% |
| Somalia | $38K | 1.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $33K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa telecommunications test equipment imports (HS 9030.40): 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 9030.40: Instruments and apparatus: specially designed for telecommunications (e.g. cross-talk meters, gain measuring instruments, distortion factor meters, psophometers).
Common questions
What is the value of telecommunications test equipment imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported telecommunications test equipment worth $4.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7 tonnes. That ranks it 50th of 206 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply telecommunications test equipment to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by China (9%) and Germany (8%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 44 supplier countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 386% on the year.
What is the average import price of telecommunications test equipment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $704.37 per kg in 2024, 30% below the world average of $1,012.74 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of telecommunications test equipment to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.7 million in 2017 to $4.8 million in 2024, a fall of 45%. The peak was 2019 at $11.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export telecommunications test equipment?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Germany and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for telecommunications test equipment?
The HS code for telecommunications test equipment is subheading 9030.40. 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 9030 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 telecommunications test equipment trade: top importers and exporters
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