Video games and game equipment imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported video games and game equipment worth $109.3 million (4.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 6% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $138.9 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 | $109.3M | 4.5K t |
| 2023 | $116.9M | 3.1K t |
| 2022 | $99.3M | 3.2K t |
| 2021 | $81.3M | 2.9K t |
| 2020 | $77.0M | 2.7K t |
| 2019 | $120.8M | 4.0K t |
| 2018 | $128.6M | 5.2K t |
| 2017 | $138.9M | 4.1K t |
Where South Africa imports video games and game equipment from
China alone supplied 51% of it. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $55.8M | 51% |
| United States | $22.6M | 21% |
| Austria | $8.3M | 7.6% |
| Australia | $2.6M | 2.4% |
| Mexico | $2.6M | 2.3% |
| Spain | $2.5M | 2.3% |
| United Kingdom | $2.1M | 1.9% |
| Lithuania | $1.9M | 1.7% |
| Taiwan | $1.9M | 1.7% |
| Czech Republic | $1.0M | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 9504
| 9504.50 | Games: video game consoles and machines, other than those of subheading 9504.30 | 44% |
| 9504.30 | Games: operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or by other means of payment, other than billiard articles and accesssories, and automatic… | 37% |
| 9504.90 | Games: articles for funfair, table or parlour games, including pintables, special tables for casino games, automatic bowling alley equipment, n.e.c.… | 12% |
| 9504.40 | Games: playing cards | 5.3% |
| 9504.20 | Billiard articles and accessories of all kinds | 2.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9504.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $24.12 per kg, 26% below the world average of $32.48, 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.
Video games and game equipment exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $9.6 million of video games and game equipment in 2024 (601 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (22%), United Kingdom (15%), Namibia (13%). Among the main buyer markets, United Kingdom grew fastest (+144% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $2.1M | 22% |
| United Kingdom | $1.5M | 15% |
| Namibia | $1.3M | 13% |
| Angola | $785K | 8.2% |
| Zambia | $606K | 6.3% |
| Seychelles | $556K | 5.8% |
| Lesotho | $310K | 3.2% |
| Eswatini | $281K | 2.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $233K | 2.4% |
| Tanzania | $223K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 9504: Video game consoles and machines, articles for funfair, table or parlour games, including pintables, billiards, special tables for casino games and automatic bowling alley equipment.
Common questions
What is the value of video games and game equipment imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported video games and game equipment worth $109.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply video games and game equipment to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 51% of the value ($55.8 million), followed by the United States (21%) and Austria (8%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 89 supplier countries in total. Taiwan grew fastest among the top ten, up 286% on the year.
What is the average import price of video games and game equipment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $24.12 per kg in 2024, 26% below the world average of $32.48 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of video games and game equipment to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $138.9 million in 2017 to $109.3 million in 2024, a fall of 21%. The peak was 2017 at $138.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export video games and game equipment?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, the United Kingdom and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $99.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for video games and game equipment?
The HS code for video games and game equipment is heading 9504. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 9504.50 (44% of the value) and 9504.30 (37%). It sits in HS chapter 95 (toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9504 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
More trade data for South Africa
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