Transport containers exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported transport containers worth $68.5 million (21.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 37% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $145.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $68.5M | 21.3K t |
| 2023 | $108.2M | 32.0K t |
| 2022 | $130.2M | 40.5K t |
| 2021 | $94.2M | 35.7K t |
| 2020 | $97.0M | 197.7K t |
| 2019 | $111.6M | 82.1K t |
| 2018 | $138.3M | 64.9K t |
| 2017 | $145.2M | 284.4K t |
Where South Africa exports transport containers to
Most of it went to Netherlands (21%), United States (17%), China (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%. Among the main buyer markets, Singapore grew fastest (+955% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $14.4M | 21% |
| United States | $11.3M | 17% |
| China | $7.0M | 10% |
| United Kingdom | $4.5M | 6.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | $4.4M | 6.4% |
| Belgium | $3.7M | 5.4% |
| Angola | $3.5M | 5.2% |
| Sweden | $1.8M | 2.6% |
| Singapore | $1.5M | 2.1% |
| Namibia | $1.4M | 2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.22 per kg, 388% above the world average of $0.66. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Transport containers imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $26.4 million of transport containers in 2024 (95.3 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (34%), Bermuda (11%), Netherlands (10%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+50% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.9M | 34% |
| Bermuda | $2.8M | 11% |
| Netherlands | $2.7M | 10% |
| Hong Kong | $2.5M | 9.6% |
| United Kingdom | $1.3M | 4.9% |
| United States | $1.3M | 4.8% |
| Br. Virgin Isds | $1.1M | 4.3% |
| Taiwan | $930K | 3.5% |
| Finland | $758K | 2.9% |
| Germany | $628K | 2.4% |
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 8609: Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport.
Common questions
What is the value of transport containers exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported transport containers worth $68.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 21.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 190 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 37% on 2023.
Which countries buy transport containers from South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest buyer with 21% of the value ($14.4 million), followed by the United States (17%) and China (10%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 83 buyer countries in total. Singapore grew fastest among the top ten, up 955% on the year.
What is the average export price of transport containers per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.22 per kg in 2024, 388% above the world average of $0.66 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 exports of transport containers from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $145.2 million in 2017 to $68.5 million in 2024, a fall of 53%. The peak was 2017 at $145.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import transport containers?
Yes. South Africa imported $26.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Bermuda and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $42.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for transport containers?
The HS code for transport containers is heading 8609. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 8609.00. It sits in HS chapter 86 (railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8609 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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