Water meters imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $14.2 million of water meters in 2024 (476 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 45% on 2023. 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 | $14.2M | 476 t |
| 2023 | $9.7M | 263 t |
| 2022 | $9.8M | 297 t |
| 2021 | $8.8M | 312 t |
| 2020 | $7.0M | 249 t |
| 2019 | $7.3M | 272 t |
| 2018 | $9.0M | 344 t |
| 2017 | $9.0M | 347 t |
Where South Africa imports water meters from
Most of the value came from China (36%), Italy (14%), Germany (11%). Among the main suppliers, Poland grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.1M | 36% |
| Italy | $2.0M | 14% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 11% |
| Denmark | $1.5M | 10% |
| Slovakia | $1.2M | 8.8% |
| Poland | $790K | 5.6% |
| United States | $698K | 4.9% |
| Slovenia | $423K | 3% |
| Lithuania | $202K | 1.4% |
| Brazil | $113K | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $29.72 per kg, close to the world average of $26.96.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Water meters exports from South Africa
Exports of water meters by South Africa reached $5.7 million in 2024 (152 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (24%), Namibia (15%), Gambia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Gambia grew fastest (+699% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.4M | 24% |
| Namibia | $849K | 15% |
| Gambia | $575K | 10% |
| Liberia | $419K | 7.3% |
| Eswatini | $409K | 7.2% |
| DR Congo | $389K | 6.8% |
| Lesotho | $273K | 4.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $195K | 3.4% |
| Mali | $171K | 3% |
| Kenya | $158K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa water meters imports (HS 9028.20): 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 9028.20: Meters: liquid supply or production meters, including calibrating meters thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of water meters imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported water meters worth $14.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 476 tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 214 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 45% on 2023.
Which countries supply water meters to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($5.1 million), followed by Italy (14%) and Germany (11%). The top three together account for 62%, out of 40 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 95% on the year.
What is the average import price of water meters per kg?
The average declared import value was about $29.72 per kg in 2024, 10% above the world average of $26.96 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of water meters to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.0 million in 2017 to $14.2 million in 2024, an increase of 57%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $9.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export water meters?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and the Gambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for water meters?
The HS code for water meters is subheading 9028.20. It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9028 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
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