Tobacco processing machinery imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $7.3 million of tobacco processing machinery in 2024 (996 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 36% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $17.2 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 | $7.3M | 996 t |
| 2023 | $11.3M | 24.3K t |
| 2022 | $4.8M | 245 t |
| 2021 | $4.1M | 185 t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 22 t |
| 2019 | $3.0M | 55 t |
| 2018 | $11.0M | 91 t |
| 2017 | $17.2M | 105 t |
Where South Africa imports tobacco processing machinery from
Most of the value came from Malaysia (41%), Greece (21%), Germany (19%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+159% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $3.0M | 41% |
| Greece | $1.6M | 21% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 19% |
| India | $423K | 5.8% |
| Bulgaria | $345K | 4.7% |
| Brazil | $280K | 3.9% |
| Italy | $122K | 1.7% |
| Turkey | $56K | 0.8% |
| Netherlands | $49K | 0.7% |
| United Kingdom | $30K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.30 per kg, 81% below the world average of $37.75, 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 processing machinery exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported tobacco processing machinery worth $1.5 million (66 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (38%), United Kingdom (26%), Angola (21%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+966% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $578K | 38% |
| United Kingdom | $388K | 26% |
| Angola | $313K | 21% |
| Malawi | $108K | 7.2% |
| Zambia | $89K | 5.9% |
| Saudi Arabia | $30K | 2% |
| Nigeria | $3K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0% |
| Mexico | $0K | 0% |
| Botswana | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa tobacco processing machinery imports (HS 8478.10): 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 8478.10: Machinery: for preparing or making up tobacco, n.e.c. in this chapter.
Common questions
What is the value of tobacco processing machinery imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported tobacco processing machinery worth $7.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 996 tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 148 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 36% on 2023.
Which countries supply tobacco processing machinery to South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Greece (21%) and Germany (19%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 159% on the year.
What is the average import price of tobacco processing machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.30 per kg in 2024, 81% below the world average of $37.75 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of tobacco processing machinery to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.2 million in 2017 to $7.3 million in 2024, a fall of 58%. The peak was 2017 at $17.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export tobacco processing machinery?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 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 processing machinery?
The HS code for tobacco processing machinery is subheading 8478.10. 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?
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 tobacco processing machinery trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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