Vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $17.0 million of vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). That is 16% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $22.3 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $17.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $14.7M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $6.6M | 668 t |
| 2021 | $4.4M | 458 t |
| 2020 | $2.7M | 391 t |
| 2019 | $22.3M | 2.3K t |
| 2018 | $11.7M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $6.6M | 682 t |
Where South Africa exports vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) to
Most of it went to Zambia (19%), DR Congo (16%), Germany (16%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $3.2M | 19% |
| DR Congo | $2.8M | 16% |
| Germany | $2.7M | 16% |
| Australia | $2.4M | 14% |
| Botswana | $1.1M | 6.3% |
| Eswatini | $836K | 4.9% |
| United States | $794K | 4.7% |
| Mozambique | $489K | 2.9% |
| Netherlands | $337K | 2% |
| Namibia | $330K | 1.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.36 per kg, close to the world average of $9.09.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) worth $33.6 million (6.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were Thailand (41%), Brazil (27%), Japan (12%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+924% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $13.7M | 41% |
| Brazil | $9.0M | 27% |
| Japan | $4.1M | 12% |
| United States | $1.7M | 5.1% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 3.8% |
| India | $939K | 2.8% |
| China | $882K | 2.6% |
| Sweden | $510K | 1.5% |
| Botswana | $428K | 1.3% |
| Mexico | $255K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) exports (HS 8707.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 8707.90: Vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8701, 8702, 8704 or 8705.
Common questions
What is the value of vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) worth $17.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 131 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 19% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by the DR Congo (16%) and Germany (16%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 47 buyer countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 882% on the year.
What is the average export price of vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $10.36 per kg in 2024, 14% above the world average of $9.09 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $6.6 million in 2017 to $17.0 million in 2024, an increase of 156%. The peak was 2019 at $22.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck)?
Yes. South Africa imported $33.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Thailand, Brazil and Japan. That compares with exports of $17.0 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck)?
The HS code for vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) is subheading 8707.90. 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 8707 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 bodies (tractor/bus/truck) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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