Tugs and pusher craft imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $66.6 million of tugs and pusher craft in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value rose 4446% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 178% 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 | $66.6M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $1.5M | 625 t |
| 2022 | $5.5M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $12.7M | 727 t |
| 2020 | $1.8M | 144 t |
| 2019 | $7.5M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $75K | - |
| 2017 | $51K | 141 t |
Where South Africa imports tugs and pusher craft from
The largest suppliers were China (49%), Vietnam (37%), Singapore (13%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $32.5M | 49% |
| Vietnam | $24.7M | 37% |
| Singapore | $8.3M | 13% |
| Angola | $807K | 1.2% |
| Norway | $150K | 0.2% |
| United States | $1K | 0% |
| Taiwan | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $49.33 per kg, 496% above the world average of $8.28. 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.
Tugs and pusher craft exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported tugs and pusher craft worth $441 thousand (59 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Mozambique accounted for 87% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $383K | 87% |
| Angola | $38K | 8.6% |
| Canada | $14K | 3.3% |
| Zambia | $3K | 0.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $2K | 0.4% |
| Luxembourg | $1K | 0.3% |
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 8904: Tugs and pusher craft.
Common questions
What is the value of tugs and pusher craft imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported tugs and pusher craft worth $66.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 135 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports.
Which countries supply tugs and pusher craft to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 49% of the value ($32.5 million), followed by Vietnam (37%) and Singapore (13%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 7 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of tugs and pusher craft per kg?
The average declared import value was about $49.33 per kg in 2024, 496% above the world average of $8.28 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 tugs and pusher craft to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $51 thousand in 2017 to $66.6 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export tugs and pusher craft?
Yes. South Africa exported $441 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Angola and Canada. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $66.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for tugs and pusher craft?
The HS code for tugs and pusher craft is heading 8904. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 8904.00. It sits in HS chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8904 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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