Tobacco machinery imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $8.7 million of tobacco machinery in 2024 (1.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 41% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $20.4 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 | $8.7M | 1.0K t |
| 2023 | $14.8M | 24.3K t |
| 2022 | $5.6M | 253 t |
| 2021 | $6.5M | 230 t |
| 2020 | $3.6M | 46 t |
| 2019 | $5.4M | 93 t |
| 2018 | $14.2M | 220 t |
| 2017 | $20.4M | 130 t |
Where South Africa imports tobacco machinery from
The largest suppliers were Malaysia (34%), Germany (26%), Greece (18%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+297% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $3.0M | 34% |
| Germany | $2.2M | 26% |
| Greece | $1.6M | 18% |
| India | $584K | 6.7% |
| Bulgaria | $345K | 4% |
| Brazil | $280K | 3.2% |
| Hungary | $144K | 1.7% |
| Italy | $141K | 1.6% |
| Netherlands | $70K | 0.8% |
| Turkey | $69K | 0.8% |
Product types under HS 8478
| 8478.10 | Machinery: for preparing or making up tobacco, n.e.c. in this chapter | 83% |
| 8478.90 | Machinery: parts of those for preparing or making up tobacco, n.e.c. in this chapter | 17% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8478.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.55 per kg, 82% below the world average of $46.39, 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.
Tobacco machinery exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported tobacco machinery worth $2.9 million (127 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (31%), United Kingdom (28%), Angola (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+322% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $884K | 31% |
| United Kingdom | $808K | 28% |
| Angola | $316K | 11% |
| Zambia | $127K | 4.4% |
| Malawi | $116K | 4% |
| Netherlands | $79K | 2.7% |
| Nigeria | $71K | 2.5% |
| Kenya | $60K | 2.1% |
| Mauritius | $44K | 1.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $32K | 1.1% |
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 8478: Machinery; for preparing or making up tobacco, n.e.c. in this chapter.
Common questions
What is the value of tobacco machinery imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported tobacco machinery worth $8.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 172 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 41% on 2023.
Which countries supply tobacco machinery to South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Germany (26%) and Greece (18%). The top three together account for 78%, out of 33 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 297% on the year.
What is the average import price of tobacco machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.55 per kg in 2024, 82% below the world average of $46.39 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 tobacco machinery to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $20.4 million in 2017 to $8.7 million in 2024, a fall of 57%. The peak was 2017 at $20.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export tobacco machinery?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom and Angola. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for tobacco machinery?
The HS code for tobacco machinery is heading 8478. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8478.10 (83% of the value) and 8478.90 (17%). It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8478 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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