Trade lane

What South Africa buys from France.

South Africa imported USD 1.7bn of manufactured and processed goods from France in 2024, down 9 per cent on 2022. That is 3 per cent of everything South Africa imported in these lines, and France is its number 7 source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where France dominates, and where another country ships the same line for less a tonne.

Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices.

USD 1.7bnfrom France in 2024 (USD 1.9bn in 2022)
3 per centof South Africa's imports in these lines, USD 68bn from every source
260product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#7France's rank among South Africa's sources
The top 50

The largest lines on the lane, by 2024 value.

Each line shows what South Africa paid France for it at the border, France's share of everything South Africa imported in that line, how it changed since 2022, and the customs unit value per tonne where the weight is recorded. Together they are 56 per cent of the lane.

  1. 1

    Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marcHS 220820

    Share of South Africa's imports95 per cent, 35 source countries
    Changeup 53 per cent on 2022 (USD 77m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 21,525 a tonne, 5,490 tonnes
    USD 118min 2024
  2. 2

    Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490

    Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 90 source countries
    Changeup 5 per cent on 2022 (USD 94m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 50,079 a tonne, 1,975 tonnes
    USD 99min 2024
  3. 3

    Aircraft and spacecraft: parts of aeroplanes, helicopters or unmanned aircraft n.e.c. in heading no. 8807HS 880730

    Share of South Africa's imports60 per cent, 104 source countries
    Changedown 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 76m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 68min 2024
  4. 4

    Vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products: for human medicineHS 300241

    Share of South Africa's imports50 per cent, 24 source countries
    Changedown 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 96m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 64min 2024
  5. 5

    Wine: sparklingHS 220410

    Share of South Africa's imports89 per cent, 40 source countries
    Changedown 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 38m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 38min 2024
  6. 6

    Lubricating oil additives: containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous mineralsHS 381121

    Share of South Africa's imports25 per cent, 25 source countries
    Changedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 42m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,531 a tonne, 10,229 tonnes
    USD 36min 2024
  7. 7

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)HS 330499

    Share of South Africa's imports17 per cent, 107 source countries
    Changeup 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 29m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 28,319 a tonne, 1,203 tonnes
    USD 34min 2024
  8. 8

    Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material: railsHS 730210

    Share of South Africa's imports76 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changefrom USD 5m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 1,397 a tonne, 22,324 tonnes
    USD 31min 2024
  9. 9

    Electrical static convertersHS 850440

    Share of South Africa's imports4 per cent, 113 source countries
    Changefrom USD 4m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 51,776 a tonne, 545 tonnes
    USD 28min 2024
  10. 10

    Reagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, whether or not put up in the form of...HS 382219

    Share of South Africa's imports8 per cent, 79 source countries
    Changeup 326 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 162,650 a tonne, 142 tonnes
    USD 23min 2024
  11. 11

    Aluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm, alloys, rectangular (including square)HS 760612

    Share of South Africa's imports19 per cent, 33 source countries
    Changedown 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,315 a tonne, 5,009 tonnes
    USD 22min 2024
  12. 12

    Perfumes and toilet watersHS 330300

    Share of South Africa's imports32 per cent, 67 source countries
    Changedown 50 per cent on 2022 (USD 42m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 30,780 a tonne, 690 tonnes
    USD 21min 2024
  13. 13

    Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)HS 721049

    Share of South Africa's imports13 per cent, 24 source countries
    Changedown 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 26m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,457 a tonne, 13,534 tonnes
    USD 20min 2024
  14. 14

    Odoriferous substances and mixtures: used as raw materials in industries other than the food or drink industriesHS 330290

    Share of South Africa's imports13 per cent, 67 source countries
    Changeup 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 22,768 a tonne, 800 tonnes
    USD 18min 2024
  15. 15

    Wood: casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers' products and parts thereof, of wood, including stavesHS 441600

    Share of South Africa's imports82 per cent, 28 source countries
    Changeup 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 19,754 a tonne, 914 tonnes
    USD 18min 2024
  16. 16

    Refrigerating or freezing equipment: n.e.c. in heading no. 8418HS 841869

    Share of South Africa's imports18 per cent, 61 source countries
    Changeup 99 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 21,216 a tonne, 804 tonnes
    USD 17min 2024
  17. 17

    Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990

    Share of South Africa's imports14 per cent, 57 source countries
    Changeup 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 6,419 a tonne, 2,498 tonnes
    USD 16min 2024
  18. 18

    Boring or sinking machinery: self-propelled, n.e.c. in heading no. 8430HS 843041

    Share of South Africa's imports12 per cent, 26 source countries
    Changedown 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 37m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 44,963 a tonne, 334 tonnes
    USD 15min 2024
  19. 19

    Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: with a 360 degree revolving super structureHS 842952

    Share of South Africa's imports4 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changedown 20 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 14min 2024
  20. 20

    Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500ccHS 870333

    Share of South Africa's imports4 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changefrom USD 49k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 17,322 a tonne, 746 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  21. 21

    Odoriferous substances and mixtures: of a kind used in the food or drink industriesHS 330210

    Share of South Africa's imports3 per cent, 83 source countries
    Changeup 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 12,392 a tonne, 1,007 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  22. 22

    Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890

    Share of South Africa's imports3 per cent, 117 source countries
    Changeup 5 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 12min 2024
  23. 23

    Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of...HS 840890

    Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 49 source countries
    Changeup 48 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 19,143 a tonne, 642 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  24. 24

    Food preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, suitable for infants or young children, put up for retail saleHS 190110

    Share of South Africa's imports44 per cent, 26 source countries
    Changeup 290 per cent on 2022 (USD 3m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 7,582 a tonne, 1,454 tonnes
    USD 11min 2024
  25. 25

    Insecticides: other than containing goods specified in Subheading Notes 1 & 2 to this Chapter: put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articlesHS 380891

    Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 52 source countries
    Changedown 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 55,713 a tonne, 187 tonnes
    USD 10min 2024
  26. 26

    Electric generating sets: with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 375kVAHS 850213

    Share of South Africa's imports29 per cent, 23 source countries
    Changeup 196 per cent on 2022 (USD 3m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 29,330 a tonne, 346 tonnes
    USD 10min 2024
  27. 27

    Electrical apparatus: n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 voltsHS 853690

    Share of South Africa's imports13 per cent, 99 source countries
    Changeup 67 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 73,345 a tonne, 135 tonnes
    USD 10min 2024
  28. 28

    Insecticides: containing goods named in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles, in packings of a...HS 380869

    Share of South Africa's imports67 per cent, 10 source countries
    Changedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 84,885 a tonne, 110 tonnes
    USD 9min 2024
  29. 29

    Acrylic polymers: (other than polymethyl methacrylate), in primary formsHS 390690

    Share of South Africa's imports8 per cent, 49 source countries
    Changedown 38 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,099 a tonne, 4,437 tonnes
    USD 9min 2024
  30. 30

    Hair preparations: shampoosHS 330510

    Share of South Africa's imports39 per cent, 67 source countries
    Changedown 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,288 a tonne, 2,046 tonnes
    USD 9min 2024
  31. 31

    Boring or sinking machinery: parts for boring or sinking machinery of subheading 8430.41 or 8430.49HS 843143

    Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 76 source countries
    Changedown 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 38,713 a tonne, 218 tonnes
    USD 8min 2024
  32. 32

    Heat pumps: other than air conditioning machines of heading no. 8415HS 841861

    Share of South Africa's imports32 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changeup 5 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 23,753 a tonne, 348 tonnes
    USD 8min 2024
  33. 33

    Medicaments: containing insulin, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300431

    Share of South Africa's imports21 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changeup 332 per cent on 2022 (USD 2m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 26,761 a tonne, 289 tonnes
    USD 8min 2024
  34. 34

    Enzymes and prepared enzymes: other than rennet and concentrates thereofHS 350790

    Share of South Africa's imports9 per cent, 36 source countries
    Changedown 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 24,487 a tonne, 308 tonnes
    USD 8min 2024
  35. 35

    Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326HS 732690

    Share of South Africa's imports5 per cent, 121 source countries
    Changeup 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 20,323 a tonne, 356 tonnes
    USD 7min 2024
  36. 36

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a...HS 853710

    Share of South Africa's imports3 per cent, 103 source countries
    Changeup 57 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 130,371 a tonne, 55 tonnes
    USD 7min 2024
  37. 37

    Dog or cat food: put up for retail sale, used in animal feedingHS 230910

    Share of South Africa's imports12 per cent, 31 source countries
    Changeup 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,748 a tonne, 2,614 tonnes
    USD 7min 2024
  38. 38

    Medicaments: containing antibiotics (other than penicillins, streptomycins or their derivatives), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300420

    Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 44 source countries
    Changedown 59 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 184,640 a tonne, 39 tonnes
    USD 7min 2024
  39. 39

    Tractors: n.e.c. in heading no 8701 (other than tractors of heading no 8709): of an engine power exceeding 130kWHS 870195

    Share of South Africa's imports5 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changedown 76 per cent on 2022 (USD 28m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 13,558 a tonne, 509 tonnes
    USD 7min 2024
  40. 40

    Food preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for uses n.e.c. in heading no. 1901HS 190190

    Share of South Africa's imports39 per cent, 47 source countries
    Changedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 5,067 a tonne, 1,344 tonnes
    USD 7min 2024
  41. 41

    Fungicides: other than containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter: put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articlesHS 380892

    Share of South Africa's imports10 per cent, 38 source countries
    Changedown 33 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 12,030 a tonne, 562 tonnes
    USD 7min 2024
  42. 42

    Extracts, essences and concentrates: of coffee, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of coffeeHS 210111

    Share of South Africa's imports6 per cent, 43 source countries
    Changedown 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 12,671 a tonne, 522 tonnes
    USD 7min 2024
  43. 43

    Floor, wall or ceiling coverings: of polymers of vinyl chloride, whether or not self-adhesive, in rolls or in the form of tilesHS 391810

    Share of South Africa's imports15 per cent, 38 source countries
    Changelevel with 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,196 a tonne, 1,549 tonnes
    USD 6min 2024
  44. 44

    Turbines: parts of turbo-jets and turbo-propellersHS 841191

    Share of South Africa's imports13 per cent, 36 source countries
    Changeup 228 per cent on 2022 (USD 2m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3.7m a tonne, 1.8 tonnes
    USD 6min 2024
  45. 45

    Herbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators: other than containing goods of Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter: put up in forms or packings for...HS 380893

    Share of South Africa's imports3 per cent, 31 source countries
    Changedown 45 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 11,537 a tonne, 560 tonnes
    USD 6min 2024
  46. 46

    Organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soapHS 340130

    Share of South Africa's imports17 per cent, 64 source countries
    Changeup 53 per cent on 2022 (USD 4m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 11,415 a tonne, 540 tonnes
    USD 6min 2024
  47. 47

    Vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products: for veterinary medicineHS 300242

    Share of South Africa's imports9 per cent, 24 source countries
    Changedown 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 151,688 a tonne, 41 tonnes
    USD 6min 2024
  48. 48

    Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, (other than plated or coated with zinc)HS 722599

    Share of South Africa's imports23 per cent, 11 source countries
    Changedown 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,474 a tonne, 4,098 tonnes
    USD 6min 2024
  49. 49

    Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499

    Share of South Africa's imports2 per cent, 77 source countries
    Changedown 26 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 5,497 a tonne, 1,078 tonnes
    USD 6min 2024
  50. 50

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a...HS 853720

    Share of South Africa's imports11 per cent, 51 source countries
    Changedown 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 27,472 a tonne, 213 tonnes
    USD 6min 2024
Fastest growing

The lines that grew most since 2022.

Lines worth at least USD 5m in 2022, ranked by growth to 2024 in current dollars. A fast rise can be a new product, a shift away from another source, or a price change; the record does not say which.

  1. Reagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, whether or not put up in the form of...HS 382219USD 23m in 2024, up 326 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). France supplies 8 per cent of the line.
  2. Refrigerating or freezing equipment: n.e.c. in heading no. 8418HS 841869USD 17m in 2024, up 99 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). France supplies 18 per cent of the line.
  3. Electrical apparatus: n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 voltsHS 853690USD 10m in 2024, up 67 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). France supplies 13 per cent of the line.
  4. Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marcHS 220820USD 118m in 2024, up 53 per cent on 2022 (USD 77m in 2022). France supplies 95 per cent of the line.
  5. Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of...HS 840890USD 12m in 2024, up 48 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). France supplies 7 per cent of the line.
  6. Wood: casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers' products and parts thereof, of wood, including stavesHS 441600USD 18m in 2024, up 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022). France supplies 82 per cent of the line.
  7. Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990USD 16m in 2024, up 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022). France supplies 14 per cent of the line.
  8. Dog or cat food: put up for retail sale, used in animal feedingHS 230910USD 7m in 2024, up 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). France supplies 12 per cent of the line.
  9. Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)HS 330499USD 34m in 2024, up 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 29m in 2022). France supplies 17 per cent of the line.
  10. Odoriferous substances and mixtures: used as raw materials in industries other than the food or drink industriesHS 330290USD 18m in 2024, up 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). France supplies 13 per cent of the line.
  11. Odoriferous substances and mixtures: of a kind used in the food or drink industriesHS 330210USD 12m in 2024, up 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). France supplies 3 per cent of the line.
  12. Heat pumps: other than air conditioning machines of heading no. 8415HS 841861USD 8m in 2024, up 5 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). France supplies 32 per cent of the line.
  13. Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490USD 99m in 2024, up 5 per cent on 2022 (USD 94m in 2022). France supplies 7 per cent of the line.
  14. Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890USD 12m in 2024, up 5 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). France supplies 3 per cent of the line.
  15. Compressors: of a kind used in refrigerating equipmentHS 841430USD 6m in 2024, up 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). France supplies 5 per cent of the line.
  16. Floor, wall or ceiling coverings: of polymers of vinyl chloride, whether or not self-adhesive, in rolls or in the form of tilesHS 391810USD 6m in 2024, level with 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). France supplies 15 per cent of the line.
Where France dominates

Lines where France supplies 60 per cent or more.

The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where France ships at least 60 per cent of what South Africa imports. This is supply concentration: how much of the line depends on one source country.

  1. Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marcHS 22082095 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 118m; 35 source countries in all.
  2. Wine: sparklingHS 22041089 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 38m; 40 source countries in all.
  3. Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material: railsHS 73021076 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 31m; 22 source countries in all.
  4. Wood: casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers' products and parts thereof, of wood, including stavesHS 44160082 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 18m; 28 source countries in all.
  5. Insecticides: containing goods named in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles, in packings of a...HS 38086967 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 9m; 10 source countries in all.
  6. Pens and pencils: duplicating stylos, pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, parts of the articles of heading 9608, including caps and clipsHS 96089965 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 2m; 44 source countries in all.
  7. Polyphenols: hydroquinone (quinol) and its saltsHS 29072285 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 1m; 8 source countries in all.
Another source, lower unit value

Where another country ships the same line for at least 20 per cent less a tonne.

Lines worth USD 5m or more where France's unit value is recorded and another country also ships at least USD 5m of the same line to South Africa at a unit value at least 20 per cent lower. The largest such source is named. The same heading can hold different grades, so a lower figure is a question to ask, not a like-for-like price.

  1. Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490France: USD 99m at USD 50,079 a tonne. India: USD 570m (40 per cent of the line) at USD 32,790 a tonne, 35 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 71,750 a tonne.
  2. Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)HS 330499France: USD 34m at USD 28,319 a tonne. Poland: USD 38m (19 per cent of the line) at USD 3,985 a tonne, 86 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,441 a tonne.
  3. Electrical static convertersHS 850440France: USD 28m at USD 51,776 a tonne. China: USD 417m (63 per cent of the line) at USD 27,220 a tonne, 47 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 65,123 a tonne.
  4. Reagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, whether or not put up in the form of...HS 382219France: USD 23m at USD 162,650 a tonne. Germany: USD 33m (11 per cent of the line) at USD 35,003 a tonne, 79 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 133,280 a tonne.
  5. Aluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm, alloys, rectangular (including square)HS 760612France: USD 22m at USD 4,315 a tonne. Thailand: USD 20m (18 per cent of the line) at USD 3,441 a tonne, 20 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 4,395 a tonne.
  6. Perfumes and toilet watersHS 330300France: USD 21m at USD 30,780 a tonne. Spain: USD 13m (20 per cent of the line) at USD 24,283 a tonne, 21 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 26,750 a tonne.
  7. Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)HS 721049France: USD 20m at USD 1,457 a tonne. China: USD 52m (33 per cent of the line) at USD 785 a tonne, 46 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 1,302 a tonne.
  8. Odoriferous substances and mixtures: used as raw materials in industries other than the food or drink industriesHS 330290France: USD 18m at USD 22,768 a tonne. India: USD 51m (37 per cent of the line) at USD 13,092 a tonne, 43 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 19,979 a tonne.
  9. Refrigerating or freezing equipment: n.e.c. in heading no. 8418HS 841869France: USD 17m at USD 21,216 a tonne. China: USD 27m (28 per cent of the line) at USD 8,982 a tonne, 58 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 25,238 a tonne.
  10. Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990France: USD 16m at USD 6,419 a tonne. Netherlands: USD 9m (8 per cent of the line) at USD 1,876 a tonne, 71 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2,878 a tonne.
  11. Boring or sinking machinery: self-propelled, n.e.c. in heading no. 8430HS 843041France: USD 15m at USD 44,963 a tonne. Sweden: USD 33m (27 per cent of the line) at USD 33,611 a tonne, 25 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 14,643 a tonne.
  12. Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500ccHS 870333France: USD 13m at USD 17,322 a tonne. Thailand: USD 54m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 11,627 a tonne, 33 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 20,045 a tonne.
  13. Odoriferous substances and mixtures: of a kind used in the food or drink industriesHS 330210France: USD 12m at USD 12,392 a tonne. United States: USD 10m (2 per cent of the line) at USD 8,545 a tonne, 31 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,568 a tonne.
  14. Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of...HS 840890France: USD 12m at USD 19,143 a tonne. China: USD 36m (20 per cent of the line) at USD 11,548 a tonne, 40 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 18,802 a tonne.
  15. Insecticides: other than containing goods specified in Subheading Notes 1 & 2 to this Chapter: put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articlesHS 380891France: USD 10m at USD 55,713 a tonne. China: USD 47m (32 per cent of the line) at USD 7,292 a tonne, 87 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 13,038 a tonne.
  16. Electric generating sets: with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 375kVAHS 850213France: USD 10m at USD 29,330 a tonne. China: USD 10m (28 per cent of the line) at USD 5,524 a tonne, 81 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 12,709 a tonne.
  17. Electrical apparatus: n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 voltsHS 853690France: USD 10m at USD 73,345 a tonne. China: USD 15m (20 per cent of the line) at USD 11,040 a tonne, 85 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 41,640 a tonne.
  18. Acrylic polymers: (other than polymethyl methacrylate), in primary formsHS 390690France: USD 9m at USD 2,099 a tonne. China: USD 28m (23 per cent of the line) at USD 1,368 a tonne, 35 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2,160 a tonne.
  19. Boring or sinking machinery: parts for boring or sinking machinery of subheading 8430.41 or 8430.49HS 843143France: USD 8m at USD 38,713 a tonne. Sweden: USD 39m (31 per cent of the line) at USD 15,640 a tonne, 60 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 29,005 a tonne.
  20. Heat pumps: other than air conditioning machines of heading no. 8415HS 841861France: USD 8m at USD 23,753 a tonne. China: USD 13m (49 per cent of the line) at USD 11,457 a tonne, 52 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 15,346 a tonne.
The other side of the lane

What South Africa buys from everyone, and what it is placed to make.

What this record says

What crossed the border, what it was worth, and what it weighed.

Every figure on this page is from CEPII's BACI file, which reconciles what each pair of countries reports to the UN about the same shipment. Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. A line is one six-digit customs heading (HS 2022). Values are in US dollars at the border; growth is in current dollars, so part of any change is price, not volume.

Unit value. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices. It is the value of a line divided by its declared weight, so it mixes grades, models and qualities under one heading. It is shown only where the weight is recorded, at least three source countries of USD 100k or more ship the line to South Africa with a weight, and the figure sits within a factor of five of the middle of those sources. Outside that band it is treated as a recording problem and left out.

Share is France's part of everything South Africa imported in that line, from every source. Sources counts the countries that shipped any of it.

Scope. Manufactured and processed goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, without ores, fuels, precious metals, scrap, raw farm output and one-off capital and defence purchases: the same rule as the Made here pages.

What it does not say

A record of trade, not a shopping list.

What this record does not say: what sells at retail, what margin a trade leaves, how crowded the marketplaces are, or how much of a flow is re-exported through entrepots such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

A large line is not proof of an opening, and a lower unit value from another country is not proof the goods are the same. Tariffs, standards, freight, payment terms, lead times and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. Nothing on this page is a forecast, a recommendation or a promise. No supplier company is named, because the record holds none.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601. Edition of 2026-11-03.

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