Upright freezers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported upright freezers worth $5.7 million (777 tonnes). That is 24% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $7.9 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 | $5.7M | 777 t |
| 2023 | $4.6M | 774 t |
| 2022 | $6.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $7.9M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $3.9M | 810 t |
| 2019 | $4.9M | 1.0K t |
| 2018 | $5.1M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $6.2M | 1.4K t |
Where South Africa imports upright freezers from
Most of the value came from China (25%), Turkey (16%), Germany (13%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.4M | 25% |
| Turkey | $933K | 16% |
| Germany | $740K | 13% |
| Poland | $673K | 12% |
| Netherlands | $412K | 7.3% |
| Spain | $307K | 5.4% |
| Italy | $276K | 4.9% |
| Vietnam | $232K | 4.1% |
| Romania | $203K | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $157K | 2.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.30 per kg, 38% above the world average of $5.30. 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.
Upright freezers exports from South Africa
Exports of upright freezers by South Africa reached $3.7 million in 2024 (644 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (23%), Namibia (22%), Mozambique (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Cote d'Ivoire grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $838K | 23% |
| Namibia | $791K | 22% |
| Mozambique | $613K | 17% |
| Zambia | $472K | 13% |
| Eswatini | $176K | 4.8% |
| Lesotho | $161K | 4.4% |
| Malawi | $112K | 3.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $103K | 2.8% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $61K | 1.7% |
| DR Congo | $45K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa upright freezers imports (HS 8418.40): 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 8418.40: Freezers: of the upright type, not exceeding 900l capacity.
Common questions
What is the value of upright freezers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported upright freezers worth $5.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 777 tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 214 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply upright freezers to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by Turkey (16%) and Germany (13%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 265% on the year.
What is the average import price of upright freezers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.30 per kg in 2024, 38% above the world average of $5.30 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of upright freezers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.2 million in 2017 to $5.7 million in 2024, a fall of 9%. The peak was 2021 at $7.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export upright freezers?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for upright freezers?
The HS code for upright freezers is subheading 8418.40. 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 8418 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.
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