Thermos flasks imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported thermos flasks worth $18.5 million (3.0 thousand tonnes). Value rose 48% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% 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 | $18.5M | 3.0K t |
| 2023 | $12.5M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $11.2M | 1.5K t |
| 2021 | $9.6M | 1.7K t |
| 2020 | $6.1M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $7.9M | 1.5K t |
| 2018 | $6.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2017 | $5.7M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa imports thermos flasks from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 96% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+49% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $17.7M | 96% |
| United States | $289K | 1.6% |
| Netherlands | $71K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $67K | 0.4% |
| Indonesia | $66K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $50K | 0.3% |
| Switzerland | $37K | 0.2% |
| Taiwan | $32K | 0.2% |
| Spain | $31K | 0.2% |
| Turkey | $21K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.22 per kg, 34% below the world average of $9.47, 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.
Thermos flasks exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.5 million of thermos flasks in 2024 (143 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (25%), Namibia (18%), Eswatini (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $377K | 25% |
| Namibia | $274K | 18% |
| Eswatini | $140K | 9.2% |
| Kenya | $105K | 6.9% |
| Zambia | $103K | 6.8% |
| Ethiopia | $87K | 5.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $71K | 4.7% |
| Lesotho | $56K | 3.7% |
| Netherlands | $50K | 3.3% |
| Mozambique | $48K | 3.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 9617: Vacuum flasks and other vacuum vessels, complete with cases; parts thereof other than glass inners.
Common questions
What is the value of thermos flasks imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported thermos flasks worth $18.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 220 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 48% on 2023.
Which countries supply thermos flasks to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 96% of the value ($17.7 million), followed by the United States (2%) and the Netherlands (0%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 66 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 205% on the year.
What is the average import price of thermos flasks per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.22 per kg in 2024, 34% below the world average of $9.47 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of thermos flasks to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.7 million in 2017 to $18.5 million in 2024, an increase of 225%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export thermos flasks?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for thermos flasks?
The HS code for thermos flasks is heading 9617. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 9617.00. It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9617 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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