Worn body appliances imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of worn body appliances by South Africa reached $49.5 million in 2024 (426 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 $91.4 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 | $49.5M | 426 t |
| 2023 | $50.4M | 447 t |
| 2022 | $57.5M | 427 t |
| 2021 | $55.4M | 321 t |
| 2020 | $49.3M | 442 t |
| 2019 | $78.6M | 384 t |
| 2018 | $91.4M | 467 t |
| 2017 | $60.8M | 441 t |
Where South Africa imports worn body appliances from
The largest suppliers were United States (31%), Germany (11%), Ireland (11%). Among the main suppliers, Austria grew fastest (+106% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $15.3M | 31% |
| Germany | $5.5M | 11% |
| Ireland | $5.3M | 11% |
| China | $3.3M | 6.8% |
| Switzerland | $2.8M | 5.7% |
| Mexico | $1.7M | 3.5% |
| Malaysia | $1.5M | 3.1% |
| Austria | $1.5M | 3.1% |
| Denmark | $1.3M | 2.7% |
| Costa Rica | $1.2M | 2.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $116.21 per kg, 80% below the world average of $585.08, 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.
Worn body appliances exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported worn body appliances worth $5.7 million (46 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Netherlands (16%), Botswana (14%), United Kingdom (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 40%. Among the main buyer markets, Austria grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $897K | 16% |
| Botswana | $808K | 14% |
| United Kingdom | $600K | 11% |
| Namibia | $559K | 9.8% |
| United States | $385K | 6.8% |
| Germany | $315K | 5.5% |
| Austria | $262K | 4.6% |
| Kenya | $208K | 3.7% |
| Australia | $186K | 3.3% |
| Switzerland | $183K | 3.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa worn body appliances imports (HS 9021.90): 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 9021.90: Appliances: worn, carried or implanted in the body, to compensate for a defect or disability.
Common questions
What is the value of worn body appliances imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported worn body appliances worth $49.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 426 tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 215 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply worn body appliances to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($15.3 million), followed by Germany (11%) and Ireland (11%). The top three together account for 53%, out of 65 supplier countries in total. Austria grew fastest among the top ten, up 106% on the year.
What is the average import price of worn body appliances per kg?
The average declared import value was about $116.21 per kg in 2024, 80% below the world average of $585.08 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of worn body appliances to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $60.8 million in 2017 to $49.5 million in 2024, a fall of 19%. The peak was 2018 at $91.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $61.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export worn body appliances?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Netherlands, Botswana and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $43.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for worn body appliances?
The HS code for worn body appliances is subheading 9021.90. 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 9021 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 worn body appliances trade: top importers and exporters
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.