Vehicle lighting and wiper parts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported vehicle lighting and wiper parts worth $37.1 million (1.8 thousand tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $37.1M | 1.8K t |
| 2023 | $37.6M | 2.4K t |
| 2022 | $32.1M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $39.8M | 2.1K t |
| 2020 | $29.2M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $29.7M | 1.5K t |
| 2018 | $29.8M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $29.0M | 2.4K t |
Where South Africa imports vehicle lighting and wiper parts from
The largest suppliers were Thailand (32%), China (31%), Japan (8%). Among the main suppliers, Slovakia grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $11.9M | 32% |
| China | $11.5M | 31% |
| Japan | $3.0M | 8% |
| Germany | $1.8M | 4.9% |
| Belgium | $894K | 2.4% |
| Slovakia | $765K | 2.1% |
| India | $639K | 1.7% |
| Serbia | $586K | 1.6% |
| Taiwan | $577K | 1.6% |
| Vietnam | $574K | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.44 per kg, close to the world average of $19.28.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Vehicle lighting and wiper parts exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported vehicle lighting and wiper parts worth $3.1 million (180 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (15%), Germany (11%), Namibia (6%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 32%. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+195% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $473K | 15% |
| Germany | $346K | 11% |
| Namibia | $191K | 6.1% |
| Thailand | $161K | 5.2% |
| Zambia | $155K | 5% |
| Zimbabwe | $138K | 4.4% |
| Ghana | $113K | 3.6% |
| Tanzania | $109K | 3.5% |
| Spain | $104K | 3.3% |
| Kenya | $102K | 3.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa vehicle lighting and wiper parts imports (HS 8512.90): 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 8512.90: Lighting or signalling equipment: electrical, (excluding articles of heading no. 8539), windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters: parts, of those kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles.
Common questions
What is the value of vehicle lighting and wiper parts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported vehicle lighting and wiper parts worth $37.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 216 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply vehicle lighting and wiper parts to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($11.9 million), followed by China (31%) and Japan (8%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 69 supplier countries in total. Taiwan grew fastest among the top ten, up 71% on the year.
What is the average import price of vehicle lighting and wiper parts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $20.44 per kg in 2024, 6% above the world average of $19.28 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of vehicle lighting and wiper parts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $29.0 million in 2017 to $37.1 million in 2024, an increase of 28%. The peak was 2021 at $39.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $33.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export vehicle lighting and wiper parts?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Germany and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $34.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for vehicle lighting and wiper parts?
The HS code for vehicle lighting and wiper parts is subheading 8512.90. 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?
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 lighting and wiper parts trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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