Vehicle horns and signals imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported vehicle horns and signals worth $5.1 million (361 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $7.8 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 | $5.1M | 361 t |
| 2023 | $4.9M | 140 t |
| 2022 | $6.0M | 157 t |
| 2021 | $6.0M | 164 t |
| 2020 | $3.3M | 280 t |
| 2019 | $4.4M | 365 t |
| 2018 | $7.8M | 330 t |
| 2017 | $4.2M | 343 t |
Where South Africa imports vehicle horns and signals from
The largest suppliers were Germany (25%), China (20%), India (15%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+244% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.3M | 25% |
| China | $1.0M | 21% |
| India | $744K | 15% |
| Spain | $629K | 12% |
| Italy | $562K | 11% |
| United States | $213K | 4.2% |
| Japan | $77K | 1.5% |
| Thailand | $75K | 1.5% |
| Turkey | $67K | 1.3% |
| Taiwan | $58K | 1.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.10 per kg, 28% 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 horns and signals exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.5 million of vehicle horns and signals in 2024 (33 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Republic of the Congo (28%), United Kingdom (23%), Zimbabwe (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Denmark grew fastest (+294% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Republic of the Congo | $951K | 28% |
| United Kingdom | $791K | 23% |
| Zimbabwe | $334K | 9.7% |
| Norway | $180K | 5.2% |
| Botswana | $164K | 4.7% |
| France | $141K | 4.1% |
| United States | $138K | 4% |
| Denmark | $87K | 2.5% |
| Mozambique | $84K | 2.4% |
| Poland | $74K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa vehicle horns and signals imports (HS 8512.30): 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 8512.30: Sound signalling equipment: electrical, used on cycles or motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539).
Common questions
What is the value of vehicle horns and signals imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported vehicle horns and signals worth $5.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 361 tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 209 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply vehicle horns and signals to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by China (20%) and India (15%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 53 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 244% on the year.
What is the average import price of vehicle horns and signals per kg?
The average declared import value was about $14.10 per kg in 2024, 28% 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 horns and signals to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.2 million in 2017 to $5.1 million in 2024, an increase of 20%. The peak was 2018 at $7.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export vehicle horns and signals?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Republic of the Congo, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for vehicle horns and signals?
The HS code for vehicle horns and signals is subheading 8512.30. 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 8512 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World vehicle horns and signals trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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