Theodolites imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $2.9 million of theodolites in 2024 (4 tonnes). Value rose 40% on 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 | $2.9M | 4 t |
| 2023 | $2.1M | 2 t |
| 2022 | $2.3M | 3 t |
| 2021 | $1.3M | 2 t |
| 2020 | $1.0M | 3 t |
| 2019 | $1.8M | 2 t |
| 2018 | $2.9M | 4 t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 3 t |
Where South Africa imports theodolites from
The largest suppliers were Switzerland (41%), Netherlands (20%), Sweden (18%). Among the main suppliers, Singapore grew fastest (+502% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $1.2M | 41% |
| Netherlands | $586K | 20% |
| Sweden | $518K | 18% |
| Japan | $164K | 5.6% |
| Zambia | $117K | 4% |
| Singapore | $116K | 3.9% |
| China | $107K | 3.6% |
| Turkey | $36K | 1.2% |
| Germany | $33K | 1.1% |
| France | $13K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $774.45 per kg, close to the world average of $665.39.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Theodolites exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.2 million of theodolites in 2024 (2 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were DR Congo (28%), Botswana (18%), Taiwan (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Mauritania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $330K | 28% |
| Botswana | $217K | 18% |
| Taiwan | $175K | 15% |
| United Arab Emirates | $112K | 9.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $89K | 7.5% |
| Angola | $59K | 5% |
| Zambia | $44K | 3.7% |
| Namibia | $36K | 3.1% |
| Thailand | $21K | 1.8% |
| Mauritania | $19K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa theodolites imports (HS 9015.20): 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 9015.20: Surveying equipment: theodolites and tacheometers.
Common questions
What is the value of theodolites imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported theodolites worth $2.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4 tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 186 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 40% on 2023.
Which countries supply theodolites to South Africa?
Switzerland was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by the Netherlands (20%) and Sweden (18%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Singapore grew fastest among the top ten, up 502% on the year.
What is the average import price of theodolites per kg?
The average declared import value was about $774.45 per kg in 2024, 16% above the world average of $665.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of theodolites to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $2.9 million in 2024, an increase of 49%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export theodolites?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Botswana and Taiwan. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for theodolites?
The HS code for theodolites is subheading 9015.20. 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 9015 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.
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