Test benches imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of test benches by South Africa reached $4.6 million in 2024 (375 tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $10.2 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 | $4.6M | 375 t |
| 2023 | $4.4M | 664 t |
| 2022 | $4.3M | 134 t |
| 2021 | $3.4M | 360 t |
| 2020 | $6.7M | 3.8K t |
| 2019 | $7.5M | 166 t |
| 2018 | $7.3M | 140 t |
| 2017 | $10.2M | 1.5K t |
Where South Africa imports test benches from
The largest suppliers were Germany (19%), United States (18%), China (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 48%. Among the main suppliers, Austria grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $860K | 19% |
| United States | $833K | 18% |
| China | $521K | 11% |
| Morocco | $423K | 9.2% |
| India | $317K | 6.9% |
| Greece | $278K | 6.1% |
| Israel | $253K | 5.5% |
| Austria | $177K | 3.9% |
| Czech Republic | $158K | 3.5% |
| Italy | $139K | 3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.19 per kg, 69% below the world average of $39.27, 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.
Test benches exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported test benches worth $986 thousand (23 tonnes). Most of it went to Romania (17%), Tanzania (12%), United Arab Emirates (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 39%. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Romania | $164K | 17% |
| Tanzania | $114K | 12% |
| United Arab Emirates | $102K | 10% |
| Zambia | $101K | 10% |
| Namibia | $69K | 7% |
| Botswana | $68K | 6.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $62K | 6.3% |
| DR Congo | $57K | 5.8% |
| Australia | $48K | 4.9% |
| Kenya | $40K | 4.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa test benches imports (HS 9031.20): 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 9031.20: Test benches.
Common questions
What is the value of test benches imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported test benches worth $4.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 375 tonnes. That ranks it 52nd of 186 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply test benches to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 19% of the value ($860 thousand), followed by the United States (18%) and China (11%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 559% on the year.
What is the average import price of test benches per kg?
The average declared import value was about $12.19 per kg in 2024, 69% below the world average of $39.27 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of test benches to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.2 million in 2017 to $4.6 million in 2024, a fall of 55%. The peak was 2017 at $10.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export test benches?
Yes. South Africa exported $986 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Romania, Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for test benches?
The HS code for test benches is subheading 9031.20. 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 9031 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.
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