Vehicle axles and differentials imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of vehicle axles and differentials by South Africa reached $251.2 million in 2024 (29.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% 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 | $251.2M | 29.8K t |
| 2023 | $258.6M | 31.2K t |
| 2022 | $219.7M | 25.8K t |
| 2021 | $207.4M | 24.7K t |
| 2020 | $156.5M | 18.7K t |
| 2019 | $225.1M | 26.4K t |
| 2018 | $150.0M | 20.0K t |
| 2017 | $123.9M | 17.1K t |
Where South Africa imports vehicle axles and differentials from
The largest suppliers were Germany (30%), United States (16%), Thailand (14%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+52% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $75.2M | 30% |
| United States | $39.8M | 16% |
| Thailand | $34.5M | 14% |
| China | $27.6M | 11% |
| India | $13.0M | 5.2% |
| South Korea | $12.6M | 5% |
| Poland | $9.2M | 3.7% |
| Mexico | $9.1M | 3.6% |
| Japan | $7.1M | 2.8% |
| Italy | $6.6M | 2.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.43 per kg, close to the world average of $7.57.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Vehicle axles and differentials exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported vehicle axles and differentials worth $62.0 million (5.6 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Germany accounted for 53% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+57% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $32.6M | 53% |
| United States | $8.0M | 13% |
| Botswana | $2.7M | 4.3% |
| Namibia | $2.2M | 3.6% |
| DR Congo | $2.1M | 3.4% |
| Mozambique | $2.0M | 3.2% |
| Zambia | $1.9M | 3.1% |
| Indonesia | $1.3M | 2.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $983K | 1.6% |
| Singapore | $848K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa vehicle axles and differentials imports (HS 8708.50): 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 8708.50: Vehicle parts: drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles: parts thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of vehicle axles and differentials imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported vehicle axles and differentials worth $251.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 29.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 217 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply vehicle axles and differentials to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($75.2 million), followed by the United States (16%) and Thailand (14%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 73 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 52% on the year.
What is the average import price of vehicle axles and differentials per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.43 per kg in 2024, 11% above the world average of $7.57 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of vehicle axles and differentials to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $123.9 million in 2017 to $251.2 million in 2024, an increase of 103%. The peak was 2023 at $258.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $199.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export vehicle axles and differentials?
Yes. South Africa exported $62.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, the United States and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $189.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for vehicle axles and differentials?
The HS code for vehicle axles and differentials is subheading 8708.50. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8708 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 vehicle axles and differentials trade: top importers and exporters
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