Vehicle air conditioners imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported vehicle air conditioners worth $6.0 million (752 tonnes). That is 18% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $9.0 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 | $6.0M | 752 t |
| 2023 | $7.4M | 266 t |
| 2022 | $5.9M | 212 t |
| 2021 | $9.0M | 298 t |
| 2020 | $5.2M | 175 t |
| 2019 | $6.2M | 181 t |
| 2018 | $5.5M | 184 t |
| 2017 | $5.7M | 210 t |
Where South Africa imports vehicle air conditioners from
The largest suppliers were Poland (22%), Germany (22%), China (18%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+160% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | $1.3M | 22% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 22% |
| China | $1.1M | 18% |
| Morocco | $930K | 15% |
| United States | $302K | 5% |
| India | $237K | 3.9% |
| Italy | $140K | 2.3% |
| Thailand | $130K | 2.2% |
| Turkey | $90K | 1.5% |
| France | $89K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.02 per kg, 59% below the world average of $19.49, 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.
Vehicle air conditioners exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported vehicle air conditioners worth $1.5 million (61 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (22%), Singapore (15%), Botswana (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Singapore grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $320K | 22% |
| Singapore | $226K | 15% |
| Botswana | $169K | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $115K | 7.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $105K | 7.2% |
| Zambia | $61K | 4.2% |
| DR Congo | $61K | 4.2% |
| Mozambique | $57K | 3.9% |
| India | $44K | 3% |
| Chile | $37K | 2.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa vehicle air conditioners imports (HS 8415.20): 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 8415.20: Air conditioning machines: comprising a motor driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind used for persons, in motor vehicles.
Common questions
What is the value of vehicle air conditioners imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported vehicle air conditioners worth $6.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 752 tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 194 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 18% on 2023.
Which countries supply vehicle air conditioners to South Africa?
Poland was the largest supplier with 22% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by Germany (22%) and China (18%). The top three together account for 62%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 160% on the year.
What is the average import price of vehicle air conditioners per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.02 per kg in 2024, 59% below the world average of $19.49 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of vehicle air conditioners to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.7 million in 2017 to $6.0 million in 2024, an increase of 6%. The peak was 2021 at $9.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export vehicle air conditioners?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Singapore and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for vehicle air conditioners?
The HS code for vehicle air conditioners is subheading 8415.20. 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 8415 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World vehicle air conditioners trade: top importers and exporters
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