Variable resistors and rheostats imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of variable resistors and rheostats by South Africa reached $3.5 million in 2024 (178 tonnes). That is 14% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $3.5M | 178 t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 116 t |
| 2022 | $3.5M | 321 t |
| 2021 | $3.9M | 406 t |
| 2020 | $2.2M | 83 t |
| 2019 | $3.0M | 114 t |
| 2018 | $4.1M | 121 t |
| 2017 | $4.2M | 107 t |
Where South Africa imports variable resistors and rheostats from
Most of the value came from China (23%), United States (22%), Germany (20%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+738% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $819K | 23% |
| United States | $784K | 22% |
| Germany | $704K | 20% |
| Thailand | $227K | 6.4% |
| Japan | $135K | 3.8% |
| Taiwan | $126K | 3.6% |
| Mexico | $100K | 2.8% |
| Italy | $81K | 2.3% |
| United Kingdom | $64K | 1.8% |
| Canada | $63K | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $19.94 per kg, 56% below the world average of $45.32, 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.
Variable resistors and rheostats exports from South Africa
Exports of variable resistors and rheostats by South Africa reached $1.2 million in 2024 (28 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zambia accounted for 55% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $663K | 55% |
| United States | $165K | 14% |
| Vietnam | $63K | 5.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $54K | 4.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $40K | 3.3% |
| Namibia | $35K | 2.9% |
| DR Congo | $30K | 2.4% |
| Mozambique | $28K | 2.4% |
| Hong Kong | $27K | 2.2% |
| Ireland | $19K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa variable resistors and rheostats imports (HS 8533.40): 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 8533.40: Electrical resistors: variable, including rheostats and potentiometers (excluding heating).
Common questions
What is the value of variable resistors and rheostats imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported variable resistors and rheostats worth $3.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 178 tonnes. That ranks it 55th of 204 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply variable resistors and rheostats to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 23% of the value ($819 thousand), followed by the United States (22%) and Germany (20%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 61 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 738% on the year.
What is the average import price of variable resistors and rheostats per kg?
The average declared import value was about $19.94 per kg in 2024, 56% below the world average of $45.32 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of variable resistors and rheostats to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.2 million in 2017 to $3.5 million in 2024, a fall of 17%. The peak was 2017 at $4.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export variable resistors and rheostats?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, the United States and Vietnam. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for variable resistors and rheostats?
The HS code for variable resistors and rheostats is subheading 8533.40. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8533 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 variable resistors and rheostats trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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