Trade lane
What South Africa buys from Germany.
South Africa imported USD 6.7bn of manufactured and processed goods from Germany in 2024, up 8 per cent on 2022. That is 10 per cent of everything South Africa imported in these lines, and Germany is its number 2 source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where Germany 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 6.7bnfrom Germany in 2024 (USD 6.2bn in 2022)
10 per centof South Africa's imports in these lines, USD 68bn from every source
705product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#2Germany'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 Germany for it at the border, Germany'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 46 per cent of the lane.
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1
Tractors: road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)HS 870121
Share of South Africa's imports38 per cent, 19 source countriesChangeup 317 per cent on 2022 (USD 81m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 9,722 a tonne, 34,721 tonnesUSD 338min 2024 -
2
Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87, of a cylinder capacity exceeding 250cc but not exceeding 1000ccHS 840733
Share of South Africa's imports86 per cent, 15 source countriesChangefrom USD 14m in 2022Unit valueUSD 25,774 a tonne, 10,195 tonnesUSD 263min 2024 -
3
Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500ccHS 870332
Share of South Africa's imports40 per cent, 27 source countriesChangeup 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 148m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 14,617 a tonne, 10,338 tonnesUSD 151min 2024 -
4
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323
Share of South Africa's imports25 per cent, 40 source countriesChangedown 41 per cent on 2022 (USD 229m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 17,666 a tonne, 7,656 tonnesUSD 135min 2024 -
5
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500ccHS 870322
Share of South Africa's imports8 per cent, 27 source countriesChangedown 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 145m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 12,278 a tonne, 10,281 tonnesUSD 126min 2024 -
6
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 imports8 per cent, 90 source countriesChangedown 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 152m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 20,614 a tonne, 5,712 tonnesUSD 118min 2024 -
7
Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899
Share of South Africa's imports22 per cent, 131 source countriesChangedown 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 127m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 10,092 a tonne, 10,598 tonnesUSD 107min 2024 -
8
Vehicles: parts and accessories, of bodies, other than safety seat beltsHS 870829
Share of South Africa's imports28 per cent, 101 source countriesChangedown 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 102m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 3,510 a tonne, 26,146 tonnesUSD 92min 2024 -
9
Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690
Share of South Africa's imports26 per cent, 129 source countriesChangeup 124 per cent on 2022 (USD 34m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 13,436 a tonne, 5,638 tonnesUSD 76min 2024 -
10
Lighting or visual signalling equipment: electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539)HS 851220
Share of South Africa's imports34 per cent, 83 source countriesChangeup 289 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 46,872 a tonne, 1,529 tonnesUSD 72min 2024 -
11
Vehicle parts: drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles: parts thereofHS 870850
Share of South Africa's imports29 per cent, 73 source countriesChangeup 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 62m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 11,593 a tonne, 6,095 tonnesUSD 71min 2024 -
12
Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than electrolytically)HS 722592
Share of South Africa's imports36 per cent, 13 source countriesChangeup 66 per cent on 2022 (USD 39m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,410 a tonne, 46,066 tonnesUSD 65min 2024 -
13
Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 20 tonnes), n.e.c. in...HS 870423
Share of South Africa's imports34 per cent, 18 source countriesChangefrom USD 5m in 2022Unit valueUSD 8,709 a tonne, 6,917 tonnesUSD 60min 2024 -
14
Vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereofHS 870840
Share of South Africa's imports42 per cent, 79 source countriesChangedown 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 69m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 18,221 a tonne, 3,137 tonnesUSD 57min 2024 -
15
Pumps and compressors: for air, vacuum or gas, n.e.c. in heading no. 8414HS 841480
Share of South Africa's imports36 per cent, 75 source countriesChangeup 239 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 29,759 a tonne, 1,876 tonnesUSD 56min 2024 -
16
Electrical static convertersHS 850440
Share of South Africa's imports8 per cent, 113 source countriesChangeup 140 per cent on 2022 (USD 22m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 65,851 a tonne, 784 tonnesUSD 52min 2024 -
17
Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87, of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1000ccHS 840734
Share of South Africa's imports25 per cent, 37 source countriesChangedown 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 66m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 4,841 a tonne, 10,126 tonnesUSD 49min 2024 -
18
Flat panel display modules, whether or not incorporating touch-sensitive screens: of liquid crystals, with drivers or control circuitsHS 852491
Share of South Africa's imports56 per cent, 39 source countriesChangefrom USD 846k in 2022Unit valueUSD 154,551 a tonne, 314 tonnesUSD 49min 2024 -
19
Machinery: for filtering or purifying gases, other than intake air filters, catalytic converters or particulate filters for internal combustion enginesHS 842139
Share of South Africa's imports42 per cent, 88 source countriesChangeup 98 per cent on 2022 (USD 24m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 38,838 a tonne, 1,232 tonnesUSD 48min 2024 -
20
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 imports21 per cent, 103 source countriesChangeup 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 47m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 95,080 a tonne, 502 tonnesUSD 48min 2024 -
21
Vehicle parts: steering wheels, steering columns and steering boxes: parts thereofHS 870894
Share of South Africa's imports42 per cent, 71 source countriesChangeup 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 39m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 16,801 a tonne, 2,716 tonnesUSD 46min 2024 -
22
Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890
Share of South Africa's imports11 per cent, 117 source countriesChangeup 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 39m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 61,452 a tonne, 720 tonnesUSD 44min 2024 -
23
Compressors: of a kind used in refrigerating equipmentHS 841430
Share of South Africa's imports39 per cent, 64 source countriesChangeup 276 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 16,038 a tonne, 2,690 tonnesUSD 43min 2024 -
24
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 imports27 per cent, 24 source countriesChangeup 37 per cent on 2022 (USD 31m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,373 a tonne, 30,930 tonnesUSD 42min 2024 -
25
Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in...HS 870421
Share of South Africa's imports13 per cent, 29 source countriesChangeup 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 26m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 12,872 a tonne, 3,287 tonnesUSD 42min 2024 -
26
Odoriferous substances and mixtures: of a kind used in the food or drink industriesHS 330210
Share of South Africa's imports9 per cent, 83 source countriesChangeup 28 per cent on 2022 (USD 33m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 14,127 a tonne, 2,967 tonnesUSD 42min 2024 -
27
Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: potassic, potassium chlorideHS 310420
Share of South Africa's imports33 per cent, 20 source countriesChangedown 61 per cent on 2022 (USD 106m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 328 a tonne, 125,781 tonnesUSD 41min 2024 -
28
Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances: for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valvesHS 848180
Share of South Africa's imports15 per cent, 109 source countriesChangedown 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 46m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 43,364 a tonne, 938 tonnesUSD 41min 2024 -
29
Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars)HS 401110
Share of South Africa's imports17 per cent, 45 source countriesChangeup 63 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 6,354 a tonne, 6,316 tonnesUSD 40min 2024 -
30
Copper: wire, of refined copper, of which the maximum cross-sectional dimension exceeds 6mmHS 740811
Share of South Africa's imports8 per cent, 19 source countriesChangefrom USD 260k in 2022Unit valueUSD 10,013 a tonne, 3,843 tonnesUSD 38min 2024 -
31
Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products: immunological products, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail...HS 300215
Share of South Africa's imports24 per cent, 42 source countriesChangedown 33 per cent on 2022 (USD 55m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 581,152 a tonne, 64 tonnesUSD 37min 2024 -
32
Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)HS 840999
Share of South Africa's imports25 per cent, 103 source countriesChangeup 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 33m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 26,677 a tonne, 1,380 tonnesUSD 37min 2024 -
33
Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87HS 840820
Share of South Africa's imports16 per cent, 46 source countriesChangedown 26 per cent on 2022 (USD 48m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 13,206 a tonne, 2,685 tonnesUSD 35min 2024 -
34
Catalysts, supported: reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance...HS 381512
Share of South Africa's imports22 per cent, 23 source countriesChangeup 329 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 229,067 a tonne, 155 tonnesUSD 35min 2024 -
35
Pumps: fuel, lubricating or cooling medium pumps for internal combustion piston enginesHS 841330
Share of South Africa's imports29 per cent, 85 source countriesChangeup 193 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 34,100 a tonne, 1,007 tonnesUSD 34min 2024 -
36
Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690
Share of South Africa's imports15 per cent, 101 source countriesChangelevel with 2022 (USD 34m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 6,833 a tonne, 4,947 tonnesUSD 34min 2024 -
37
Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850760
Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 64 source countriesChangeup 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 28m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 34min 2024 -
38
Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499
Share of South Africa's imports9 per cent, 77 source countriesChangedown 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 42m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 3,941 a tonne, 8,441 tonnesUSD 33min 2024 -
39
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 imports11 per cent, 79 source countriesChangeup 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 29m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 35,003 a tonne, 942 tonnesUSD 33min 2024 -
40
Perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations: personal deodorants and antiperspirantsHS 330720
Share of South Africa's imports62 per cent, 42 source countriesChangeup 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 27m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 7,340 a tonne, 4,362 tonnesUSD 32min 2024 -
41
Tools, interchangeable: (for machine or hand tools, whether or not power-operated), tools for pressing, stamping or punchingHS 820730
Share of South Africa's imports58 per cent, 59 source countriesChangefrom USD 3m in 2022Unit valueUSD 15,032 a tonne, 2,079 tonnesUSD 31min 2024 -
42
Machines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions, n.e.c. or included in this chapterHS 847989
Share of South Africa's imports20 per cent, 80 source countriesChangeup 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 30m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 8,998 a tonne, 3,435 tonnesUSD 31min 2024 -
43
Machinery: parts for filtering or purifying liquids or gasesHS 842199
Share of South Africa's imports9 per cent, 99 source countriesChangedown 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 34m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 29,293 a tonne, 1,029 tonnesUSD 30min 2024 -
44
Instruments, appliances and machines: for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 90HS 903180
Share of South Africa's imports27 per cent, 113 source countriesChangeup 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 27m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 153,139 a tonne, 194 tonnesUSD 30min 2024 -
45
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000ccHS 870324
Share of South Africa's imports16 per cent, 29 source countriesChangedown 59 per cent on 2022 (USD 72m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 21,376 a tonne, 1,375 tonnesUSD 29min 2024 -
46
Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip, other flat shapes thereof, self-adhesive, other than in rolls of a width not exceeding 20cmHS 391990
Share of South Africa's imports23 per cent, 86 source countriesChangeup 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 27m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 6,916 a tonne, 4,093 tonnesUSD 28min 2024 -
47
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 imports26 per cent, 43 source countriesChangeup 29 per cent on 2022 (USD 21m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 14,760 a tonne, 1,849 tonnesUSD 27min 2024 -
48
Machinery: parts of machines handling earth, minerals or ores and n.e.c. in heading no. 8431HS 843149
Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 99 source countriesChangeup 27 per cent on 2022 (USD 21m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 17,595 a tonne, 1,549 tonnesUSD 27min 2024 -
49
Trailers, semi-trailers and other vehicles not mechanically propelled: parts thereof for heading no. 8716HS 871690
Share of South Africa's imports25 per cent, 54 source countriesChangeup 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 26m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 5,488 a tonne, 4,903 tonnesUSD 27min 2024 -
50
Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of soft cellulose fibres: coated, impregnated, covered, surface-decorated or surface-coloured, n.e.c. in heading no. 4811...HS 481190
Share of South Africa's imports45 per cent, 53 source countriesChangedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 27m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2,463 a tonne, 10,787 tonnesUSD 27min 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.
- Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87, of a cylinder capacity exceeding 250cc but not exceeding 1000ccHS 840733USD 263m in 2024, from USD 14m in 2022. Germany supplies 86 per cent of the line.
- Catalysts, supported: reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance...HS 381512USD 35m in 2024, up 329 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). Germany supplies 22 per cent of the line.
- Tractors: road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)HS 870121USD 338m in 2024, up 317 per cent on 2022 (USD 81m in 2022). Germany supplies 38 per cent of the line.
- Lighting or visual signalling equipment: electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539)HS 851220USD 72m in 2024, up 289 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022). Germany supplies 34 per cent of the line.
- Compressors: of a kind used in refrigerating equipmentHS 841430USD 43m in 2024, up 276 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). Germany supplies 39 per cent of the line.
- Pumps and compressors: for air, vacuum or gas, n.e.c. in heading no. 8414HS 841480USD 56m in 2024, up 239 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). Germany supplies 36 per cent of the line.
- Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of...HS 870340USD 23m in 2024, up 193 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). Germany supplies 24 per cent of the line.
- Pumps: fuel, lubricating or cooling medium pumps for internal combustion piston enginesHS 841330USD 34m in 2024, up 193 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). Germany supplies 29 per cent of the line.
- Meters: speed indicators and tachometers: stroboscopesHS 902920USD 18m in 2024, up 191 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). Germany supplies 63 per cent of the line.
- Apparatus based on the use of x-rays: including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, for medical, surgical or veterinary uses, not dental uses, excluding computed...HS 902214USD 17m in 2024, up 155 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). Germany supplies 39 per cent of the line.
- Electrical static convertersHS 850440USD 52m in 2024, up 140 per cent on 2022 (USD 22m in 2022). Germany supplies 8 per cent of the line.
- Instruments and apparatus: for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or...HS 902789USD 12m in 2024, up 136 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). Germany supplies 25 per cent of the line.
- Vehicles: with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by...HS 870350USD 16m in 2024, up 131 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). Germany supplies 14 per cent of the line.
- Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690USD 76m in 2024, up 124 per cent on 2022 (USD 34m in 2022). Germany supplies 26 per cent of the line.
- Machinery: for filtering or purifying waterHS 842121USD 11m in 2024, up 115 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). Germany supplies 23 per cent of the line.
- Pulleys and flywheels, including pulley blocksHS 848350USD 17m in 2024, up 108 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). Germany supplies 34 per cent of the line.
- Electric accumulators: lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850710USD 24m in 2024, up 107 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). Germany supplies 27 per cent of the line.
- Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumaticHS 903289USD 23m in 2024, up 103 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). Germany supplies 25 per cent of the line.
- Machinery: for filtering or purifying gases, other than intake air filters, catalytic converters or particulate filters for internal combustion enginesHS 842139USD 48m in 2024, up 98 per cent on 2022 (USD 24m in 2022). Germany supplies 42 per cent of the line.
- Machinery: catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion enginesHS 842132USD 10m in 2024, up 92 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). Germany supplies 50 per cent of the line.
Where Germany dominates
Lines where Germany supplies 60 per cent or more.
The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where Germany 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.
- Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87, of a cylinder capacity exceeding 250cc but not exceeding 1000ccHS 84073386 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 263m; 15 source countries in all.
- Perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations: personal deodorants and antiperspirantsHS 33072062 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 32m; 42 source countries in all.
- Liqueurs and cordialsHS 22087079 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 26m; 54 source countries in all.
- Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles: fitted with auxiliary motor, with internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 800cc, with or without...HS 87115063 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 22m; 15 source countries in all.
- Meters: speed indicators and tachometers: stroboscopesHS 90292063 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 18m; 67 source countries in all.
- Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, electrolytically plated or coated with zincHS 72259198 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 16m; 5 source countries in all.
- Cranes: mobile lifting frames on tyres and straddle carriersHS 84261288 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 12m; 9 source countries in all.
- Furnaces: parts of furnace burners, for liquid fuel, pulverized solid fuel or gas, mechanical stokers, grates, ash dischargers and the likeHS 84169069 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 12m; 43 source countries in all.
- Machinery: industrial, brewery machineryHS 84384096 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 8m; 9 source countries in all.
- Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives: monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycolHS 29094378 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 8m; 16 source countries in all.
- Acids: saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids: mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and estersHS 29154089 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 6m; 8 source countries in all.
- Meat preparations: of swine, meat or meat offal (including mixtures), prepared or preserved, n.e.c. in heading no. 1602HS 16024994 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 6m; 13 source countries in all.
- Nitrile-function compounds: acrylonitrileHS 29261067 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 5m; 8 source countries in all.
- Electrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541HS 85415989 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 5m; 40 source countries in all.
- Nickel: plates, sheets, strip and foil, not alloyedHS 75061098 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 4m; 8 source countries in all.
- Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic, manostatsHS 90322068 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 4m; 45 source countries in all.
- Copper: bars, rods and profiles, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass)HS 74072184 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 4m; 19 source countries in all.
- Microscopes, compound optical: stereoscopic microscopesHS 90111075 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 4m; 19 source countries in all.
- Textile products and articles for technical uses: straining cloth of a kind used in oil presses and the like, including that of human hairHS 59114067 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 3m; 22 source countries in all.
- Alcohols: saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereofHS 29051664 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 3m; 11 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 Germany'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.
- Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87, of a cylinder capacity exceeding 250cc but not exceeding 1000ccHS 840733Germany: USD 263m at USD 25,774 a tonne. Czech Republic: USD 44m (14 per cent of the line) at USD 19,145 a tonne, 26 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 19,145 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500ccHS 870332Germany: USD 151m at USD 14,617 a tonne. Thailand: USD 46m (12 per cent of the line) at USD 8,062 a tonne, 45 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 12,158 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323Germany: USD 135m at USD 17,666 a tonne. China: USD 193m (36 per cent of the line) at USD 8,836 a tonne, 50 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,496 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500ccHS 870322Germany: USD 126m at USD 12,278 a tonne. China: USD 384m (25 per cent of the line) at USD 6,798 a tonne, 45 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 11,984 a tonne.
- Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490Germany: USD 118m at USD 20,614 a tonne. Uruguay: USD 5m (under 1 per cent of the line) at USD 14,685 a tonne, 29 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 71,750 a tonne.
- Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899Germany: USD 107m at USD 10,092 a tonne. China: USD 66m (14 per cent of the line) at USD 6,140 a tonne, 39 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 10,612 a tonne.
- Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690Germany: USD 76m at USD 13,436 a tonne. China: USD 96m (32 per cent of the line) at USD 2,898 a tonne, 78 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 12,113 a tonne.
- Lighting or visual signalling equipment: electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539)HS 851220Germany: USD 72m at USD 46,872 a tonne. Thailand: USD 34m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 31,815 a tonne, 32 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 48,365 a tonne.
- Vehicle parts: drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles: parts thereofHS 870850Germany: USD 71m at USD 11,593 a tonne. Thailand: USD 31m (13 per cent of the line) at USD 5,532 a tonne, 52 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 12,720 a tonne.
- Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than electrolytically)HS 722592Germany: USD 65m at USD 1,410 a tonne. China: USD 69m (38 per cent of the line) at USD 541 a tonne, 62 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 1,334 a tonne.
- Vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereofHS 870840Germany: USD 57m at USD 18,221 a tonne. Japan: USD 8m (6 per cent of the line) at USD 6,614 a tonne, 64 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 20,807 a tonne.
- Pumps and compressors: for air, vacuum or gas, n.e.c. in heading no. 8414HS 841480Germany: USD 56m at USD 29,759 a tonne. Belgium: USD 7m (4 per cent of the line) at USD 18,800 a tonne, 37 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 27,535 a tonne.
- Electrical static convertersHS 850440Germany: USD 52m at USD 65,851 a tonne. China: USD 417m (63 per cent of the line) at USD 27,220 a tonne, 59 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 65,123 a tonne.
- Flat panel display modules, whether or not incorporating touch-sensitive screens: of liquid crystals, with drivers or control circuitsHS 852491Germany: USD 49m at USD 154,551 a tonne. China: USD 30m (34 per cent of the line) at USD 21,427 a tonne, 86 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 90,172 a tonne.
- 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 853710Germany: USD 48m at USD 95,080 a tonne. China: USD 38m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 23,150 a tonne, 76 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 79,867 a tonne.
- Vehicle parts: steering wheels, steering columns and steering boxes: parts thereofHS 870894Germany: USD 46m at USD 16,801 a tonne. China: USD 20m (19 per cent of the line) at USD 7,580 a tonne, 55 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 20,261 a tonne.
- Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890Germany: USD 44m at USD 61,452 a tonne. Japan: USD 18m (5 per cent of the line) at USD 15,180 a tonne, 75 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 63,591 a tonne.
- Compressors: of a kind used in refrigerating equipmentHS 841430Germany: USD 43m at USD 16,038 a tonne. China: USD 39m (35 per cent of the line) at USD 2,728 a tonne, 83 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 11,555 a tonne.
- Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)HS 721049Germany: USD 42m at USD 1,373 a tonne. China: USD 52m (33 per cent of the line) at USD 785 a tonne, 43 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 1,302 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in...HS 870421Germany: USD 42m at USD 12,872 a tonne. China: USD 61m (18 per cent of the line) at USD 4,640 a tonne, 64 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 9,135 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 Germany'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.
Want to know when this lane moves?
A sourcing alert for Germany to South Africa is not built yet. If it is built, it would tell you when a line on this lane shifts: a new source country, a share that moves, a unit value that changes sharply. Leave an address and you will hear when it exists, and nothing else.
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