Trade lane

What South Africa buys from India.

South Africa imported USD 4.5bn of manufactured and processed goods from India in 2024, down 1 per cent on 2022. That is 7 per cent of everything South Africa imported in these lines, and India is its number 3 source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where India 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 4.5bnfrom India in 2024 (USD 4.5bn in 2022)
7 per centof South Africa's imports in these lines, USD 68bn from every source
431product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#3India'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 India for it at the border, India'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 66 per cent of the lane.

  1. 1

    Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500ccHS 870322

    Share of South Africa's imports55 per cent, 27 source countries
    Changeup 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 741m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 15,262 a tonne, 54,751 tonnes
    USD 836min 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 imports40 per cent, 90 source countries
    Changeup 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 514m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 32,790 a tonne, 17,374 tonnes
    USD 570min 2024
  3. 3

    Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity not over 1000ccHS 870321

    Share of South Africa's imports72 per cent, 24 source countries
    Changedown 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 353m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 12,105 a tonne, 22,498 tonnes
    USD 272min 2024
  4. 4

    Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networksHS 851713

    Share of South Africa's imports11 per cent, 91 source countries
    Changedown 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 242m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1.5m a tonne, 142 tonnes
    USD 210min 2024
  5. 5

    Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goodsHS 870410

    Share of South Africa's imports24 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changedown 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 130m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 12,221 a tonne, 7,017 tonnes
    USD 86min 2024
  6. 6

    Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899

    Share of South Africa's imports15 per cent, 131 source countries
    Changeup 235 per cent on 2022 (USD 21m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 11,895 a tonne, 5,992 tonnes
    USD 71min 2024
  7. 7

    Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: n.e.c. in item no. 8429.50HS 842959

    Share of South Africa's imports77 per cent, 33 source countries
    Changedown 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 83m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 11,020 a tonne, 6,378 tonnes
    USD 70min 2024
  8. 8

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

    Share of South Africa's imports37 per cent, 67 source countries
    Changeup 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 40m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 13,092 a tonne, 3,867 tonnes
    USD 51min 2024
  9. 9

    Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323

    Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 40 source countries
    Changedown 68 per cent on 2022 (USD 118m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 18,690 a tonne, 2,028 tonnes
    USD 38min 2024
  10. 10

    Vehicles: parts and accessories, of bodies, other than safety seat beltsHS 870829

    Share of South Africa's imports11 per cent, 101 source countries
    Changeup 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,341 a tonne, 8,439 tonnes
    USD 37min 2024
  11. 11

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

    Share of South Africa's imports9 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changeup 61 per cent on 2022 (USD 22m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 5,837 a tonne, 5,944 tonnes
    USD 35min 2024
  12. 12

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellularHS 392190

    Share of South Africa's imports28 per cent, 66 source countries
    Changeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 33min 2024
  13. 13

    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 imports31 per cent, 44 source countries
    Changeup 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 31m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 47,322 a tonne, 659 tonnes
    USD 31min 2024
  14. 14

    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 imports9 per cent, 29 source countries
    Changedown 53 per cent on 2022 (USD 65m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 8,657 a tonne, 3,566 tonnes
    USD 31min 2024
  15. 15

    Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on buses or lorriesHS 401120

    Share of South Africa's imports11 per cent, 35 source countries
    Changefrom USD 4m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 5,978 a tonne, 4,900 tonnes
    USD 29min 2024
  16. 16

    Machines, for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing etc mineral substances, for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid fuels, ceramic pastes etc, for...HS 847490

    Share of South Africa's imports17 per cent, 76 source countries
    Changeup 32 per cent on 2022 (USD 19m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,193 a tonne, 5,961 tonnes
    USD 25min 2024
  17. 17

    Engines: parts, for engines and motors of heading no. 8412HS 841290

    Share of South Africa's imports40 per cent, 76 source countries
    Changefrom USD 559k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 12,200 a tonne, 1,999 tonnes
    USD 24min 2024
  18. 18

    Tractors: n.e.c. in heading no 8701 (other than tractors of heading no 8709): of an engine power exceeding 37kW but not exceeding 75kWHS 870193

    Share of South Africa's imports44 per cent, 15 source countries
    Changedown 51 per cent on 2022 (USD 47m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 9,900 a tonne, 2,352 tonnes
    USD 23min 2024
  19. 19

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

    Share of South Africa's imports19 per cent, 49 source countries
    Changeup 444 per cent on 2022 (USD 4m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,544 a tonne, 14,701 tonnes
    USD 23min 2024
  20. 20

    Medicaments: containing penicillins, streptomycins or their derivatives, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300410

    Share of South Africa's imports46 per cent, 31 source countries
    Changedown 20 per cent on 2022 (USD 26m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 35,257 a tonne, 594 tonnes
    USD 21min 2024
  21. 21

    Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda): in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)HS 281512

    Share of South Africa's imports32 per cent, 19 source countries
    Changedown 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 214 a tonne, 96,525 tonnes
    USD 21min 2024
  22. 22

    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 imports11 per cent, 49 source countries
    Changedown 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 21m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 28,927 a tonne, 710 tonnes
    USD 21min 2024
  23. 23

    Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 5 tonnes but not...HS 870422

    Share of South Africa's imports11 per cent, 24 source countries
    Changeup 28 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 7,851 a tonne, 2,588 tonnes
    USD 20min 2024
  24. 24

    Aluminium: (not alloyed), wire, maximum cross-sectional dimension exceeds 7mmHS 760511

    Share of South Africa's imports28 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changeup 260 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,900 a tonne, 6,542 tonnes
    USD 19min 2024
  25. 25

    Medicaments: containing alkaloids or their derivatives: other than ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (INN) or norephedrine or their salts: for therapeutic or prophylactic...HS 300449

    Share of South Africa's imports62 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changeup 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 19min 2024
  26. 26

    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 imports10 per cent, 18 source countries
    Changedown 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 8,762 a tonne, 2,008 tonnes
    USD 18min 2024
  27. 27

    Explosives, prepared: other than propellent powdersHS 360200

    Share of South Africa's imports77 per cent, 10 source countries
    Changefrom USD 1m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 11,570 a tonne, 1,474 tonnes
    USD 17min 2024
  28. 28

    Ceramic tiles: flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles other than those of subheadings 6907.30 and 6907.40, of a water absorption coefficient by weight not over 0.5%HS 690721

    Share of South Africa's imports31 per cent, 28 source countries
    Changedown 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 20m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 351 a tonne, 48,056 tonnes
    USD 17min 2024
  29. 29

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

    Share of South Africa's imports13 per cent, 24 source countries
    Changefrom USD 349k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 411,217 a tonne, 39 tonnes
    USD 16min 2024
  30. 30

    Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda): solidHS 281511

    Share of South Africa's imports66 per cent, 19 source countries
    Changeup 65 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 363 a tonne, 43,967 tonnes
    USD 16min 2024
  31. 31

    Electrical static convertersHS 850440

    Share of South Africa's imports2 per cent, 113 source countries
    Changedown 44 per cent on 2022 (USD 28m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 101,332 a tonne, 156 tonnes
    USD 16min 2024
  32. 32

    Fabrics, woven: containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2, of yarns of different colours...HS 521142

    Share of South Africa's imports78 per cent, 9 source countries
    Changefrom USD 1m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 7,263 a tonne, 2,040 tonnes
    USD 15min 2024
  33. 33

    T-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crochetedHS 610910

    Share of South Africa's imports8 per cent, 129 source countries
    Changeup 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 27,865 a tonne, 497 tonnes
    USD 14min 2024
  34. 34

    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 imports6 per cent, 73 source countries
    Changeup 95 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,612 a tonne, 2,934 tonnes
    USD 14min 2024
  35. 35

    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 imports4 per cent, 27 source countries
    Changeup 62 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 21,982 a tonne, 602 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  36. 36

    Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1HS 870431

    Share of South Africa's imports14 per cent, 17 source countries
    Changefrom USD 554k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 10,158 a tonne, 1,300 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  37. 37

    Nucleic acids and their salts, other heterocyclic compounds, n.e.c. in heading number 2934HS 293499

    Share of South Africa's imports32 per cent, 52 source countries
    Changedown 51 per cent on 2022 (USD 26m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 110,632 a tonne, 117 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  38. 38

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of poly(ethylene terephthalate), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly...HS 392062

    Share of South Africa's imports25 per cent, 45 source countries
    Changedown 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,640 a tonne, 7,613 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  39. 39

    Tools, interchangeable: rock drilling or earth boring tools, with working part (other than of cermets), whether or not power operated, including partsHS 820719

    Share of South Africa's imports22 per cent, 52 source countries
    Changeup 104 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 19,506 a tonne, 637 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  40. 40

    Instruments and apparatus: for measuring or checking the flow or level of liquidsHS 902610

    Share of South Africa's imports20 per cent, 86 source countries
    Changeup 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 200,102 a tonne, 61 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  41. 41

    Paper and paperboard: self-adhesive, in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810HS 481141

    Share of South Africa's imports22 per cent, 44 source countries
    Changeup 117 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,984 a tonne, 6,110 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  42. 42

    Semiconductor media: smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37HS 852352

    Share of South Africa's imports11 per cent, 78 source countries
    Changeup 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 327,201 a tonne, 37 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  43. 43

    Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity not over 1500ccHS 870331

    Share of South Africa's imports83 per cent, 7 source countries
    Changedown 65 per cent on 2022 (USD 33m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 10,173 a tonne, 1,156 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  44. 44

    Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on construction, mining or industrial handling vehicles and machinesHS 401180

    Share of South Africa's imports6 per cent, 34 source countries
    Changeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 6,163 a tonne, 1,887 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  45. 45

    Machines: for crushing or grinding earth, stone, ores or other mineral substancesHS 847420

    Share of South Africa's imports17 per cent, 39 source countries
    Changeup 349 per cent on 2022 (USD 3m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 11,533 a tonne, 1,008 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  46. 46

    Office machines: not elsewhere classifiedHS 847290

    Share of South Africa's imports22 per cent, 47 source countries
    Changedown 57 per cent on 2022 (USD 27m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 30,262 a tonne, 380 tonnes
    USD 11min 2024
  47. 47

    Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on agricultural or forestry vehicles and machinesHS 401170

    Share of South Africa's imports44 per cent, 27 source countries
    Changedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 5,822 a tonne, 1,928 tonnes
    USD 11min 2024
  48. 48

    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 imports15 per cent, 38 source countries
    Changedown 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 11min 2024
  49. 49

    Food preparations: sweet biscuits, whether or not containing cocoaHS 190531

    Share of South Africa's imports24 per cent, 67 source countries
    Changeup 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,228 a tonne, 8,695 tonnes
    USD 11min 2024
  50. 50

    Dyes: pigments and preparations based thereonHS 320417

    Share of South Africa's imports34 per cent, 39 source countries
    Changeup 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 6,503 a tonne, 1,617 tonnes
    USD 11min 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. Aluminium: (not alloyed), wire, maximum cross-sectional dimension exceeds 7mmHS 760511USD 19m in 2024, up 260 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). India supplies 28 per cent of the line.
  2. Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899USD 71m in 2024, up 235 per cent on 2022 (USD 21m in 2022). India supplies 15 per cent of the line.
  3. Paper and paperboard: self-adhesive, in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810HS 481141USD 12m in 2024, up 117 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). India supplies 22 per cent of the line.
  4. Tools, interchangeable: rock drilling or earth boring tools, with working part (other than of cermets), whether or not power operated, including partsHS 820719USD 12m in 2024, up 104 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). India supplies 22 per cent of the line.
  5. Vehicle parts: drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles: parts thereofHS 870850USD 14m in 2024, up 95 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). India supplies 6 per cent of the line.
  6. Detonating capsHS 360340USD 9m in 2024, up 65 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). India supplies 66 per cent of the line.
  7. Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda): solidHS 281511USD 16m in 2024, up 65 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022). India supplies 66 per cent of the line.
  8. Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500ccHS 870332USD 13m in 2024, up 62 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). India supplies 4 per cent of the line.
  9. Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: with a 360 degree revolving super structureHS 842952USD 35m in 2024, up 61 per cent on 2022 (USD 22m in 2022). India supplies 9 per cent of the line.
  10. Vehicles: parts and accessories, of bodies, other than safety seat beltsHS 870829USD 37m in 2024, up 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022). India supplies 11 per cent of the line.
  11. Medical, surgical instruments and appliances: catheters, cannulae and the likeHS 901839USD 7m in 2024, up 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). India supplies 6 per cent of the line.
  12. Nuts: ground-nuts, whether or not containing added sugar, other sweetening matter or spiritHS 200811USD 9m in 2024, up 33 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). India supplies 48 per cent of the line.
  13. Machines, for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing etc mineral substances, for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid fuels, ceramic pastes etc, for...HS 847490USD 25m in 2024, up 32 per cent on 2022 (USD 19m in 2022). India supplies 17 per cent of the line.
  14. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellularHS 392190USD 33m in 2024, up 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022). India supplies 28 per cent of the line.
  15. Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on construction, mining or industrial handling vehicles and machinesHS 401180USD 12m in 2024, up 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). India supplies 6 per cent of the line.
  16. Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 5 tonnes but not...HS 870422USD 20m in 2024, up 28 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). India supplies 11 per cent of the line.
  17. Boring or sinking machinery: parts for boring or sinking machinery of subheading 8430.41 or 8430.49HS 843143USD 9m in 2024, up 26 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). India supplies 7 per cent of the line.
  18. Odoriferous substances and mixtures: used as raw materials in industries other than the food or drink industriesHS 330290USD 51m in 2024, up 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 40m in 2022). India supplies 37 per cent of the line.
  19. Steel, stainless: bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finishedHS 722220USD 8m in 2024, up 24 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). India supplies 51 per cent of the line.
  20. Semiconductor media: smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37HS 852352USD 12m in 2024, up 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022). India supplies 11 per cent of the line.
Where India dominates

Lines where India supplies 60 per cent or more.

The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where India 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. Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity not over 1000ccHS 87032172 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 272m; 24 source countries in all.
  2. Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: n.e.c. in item no. 8429.50HS 84295977 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 70m; 33 source countries in all.
  3. Medicaments: containing alkaloids or their derivatives: other than ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (INN) or norephedrine or their salts: for therapeutic or prophylactic...HS 30044962 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 19m; 22 source countries in all.
  4. Explosives, prepared: other than propellent powdersHS 36020077 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 17m; 10 source countries in all.
  5. Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda): solidHS 28151166 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 16m; 19 source countries in all.
  6. Fabrics, woven: containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2, of yarns of different colours...HS 52114278 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 15m; 9 source countries in all.
  7. Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity not over 1500ccHS 87033183 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 12m; 7 source countries in all.
  8. Chicory, roasted and other roasted coffee substitutes: extracts, essences and concentrates thereofHS 21013099 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 10m; 19 source countries in all.
  9. Oils, essential: concentrates in fats, fixed oils, waxes and the like, terpenic by-products, aqueous distillates and solutions, extracted oleoresins, n.e.c. in heading...HS 33019068 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 10m; 72 source countries in all.
  10. Detonating capsHS 36034066 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 9m; 12 source countries in all.
  11. Antibiotics: penicillins and their derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure: salts thereofHS 29411084 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 7m; 11 source countries in all.
  12. Yarn: (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic, not put up for retail saleHS 55093281 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 7m; 10 source countries in all.
  13. Industrial fatty alcoholsHS 38237063 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 7m; 21 source countries in all.
  14. Crustacean preparations: shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, not in airtight containersHS 16052172 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 7m; 15 source countries in all.
  15. Copper: bars, rods and profiles, of refined copperHS 74071088 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 6m; 20 source countries in all.
  16. Colour lakes: preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapterHS 32050089 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 6m; 18 source countries in all.
  17. Fabrics, woven: of polyester staple fibres n.e.c. in chapter 55, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filamentsHS 55151298 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 6m; 12 source countries in all.
  18. Sacks and bags: of a kind used for the packing of goods, of man-made textile materials, flexible intermediate bulk containersHS 63053293 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 5m; 20 source countries in all.
  19. Steel, stainless: bars and rods, n.e.c. in heading no. 7222HS 72223072 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 5m; 26 source countries in all.
  20. Dyes: acid, whether or not premetallised and preparations based thereon, mordant dyes and preparations based thereonHS 32041262 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 5m; 28 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 India'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. Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500ccHS 870322India: USD 836m at USD 15,262 a tonne. China: USD 384m (25 per cent of the line) at USD 6,798 a tonne, 56 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 11,984 a tonne.
  2. Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490India: USD 570m at USD 32,790 a tonne. Germany: USD 118m (8 per cent of the line) at USD 20,614 a tonne, 37 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 71,750 a tonne.
  3. Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity not over 1000ccHS 870321India: USD 272m at USD 12,105 a tonne. South Korea: USD 10m (3 per cent of the line) at USD 6,439 a tonne, 47 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 12,341 a tonne.
  4. Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networksHS 851713India: USD 210m at USD 1.5m a tonne. China: USD 1.3bn (71 per cent of the line) at USD 399,815 a tonne, 73 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 1.0m a tonne.
  5. Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goodsHS 870410India: USD 86m at USD 12,221 a tonne. China: USD 33m (9 per cent of the line) at USD 4,297 a tonne, 65 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 11,846 a tonne.
  6. Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899India: USD 71m at USD 11,895 a tonne. China: USD 66m (14 per cent of the line) at USD 6,140 a tonne, 48 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 10,612 a tonne.
  7. Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: n.e.c. in item no. 8429.50HS 842959India: USD 70m at USD 11,020 a tonne. China: USD 6m (6 per cent of the line) at USD 3,831 a tonne, 65 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 9,177 a tonne.
  8. Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323India: USD 38m at USD 18,690 a tonne. China: USD 193m (36 per cent of the line) at USD 8,836 a tonne, 53 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,496 a tonne.
  9. Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: with a 360 degree revolving super structureHS 842952India: USD 35m at USD 5,837 a tonne. China: USD 211m (53 per cent of the line) at USD 4,286 a tonne, 27 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 5,090 a tonne.
  10. 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 870421India: USD 31m at USD 8,657 a tonne. China: USD 61m (18 per cent of the line) at USD 4,640 a tonne, 46 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 9,135 a tonne.
  11. Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on buses or lorriesHS 401120India: USD 29m at USD 5,978 a tonne. China: USD 109m (41 per cent of the line) at USD 1,718 a tonne, 71 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 4,133 a tonne.
  12. Tractors: n.e.c. in heading no 8701 (other than tractors of heading no 8709): of an engine power exceeding 37kW but not exceeding 75kWHS 870193India: USD 23m at USD 9,900 a tonne. Turkey: USD 9m (18 per cent of the line) at USD 7,789 a tonne, 21 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 7,501 a tonne.
  13. Medicaments: containing penicillins, streptomycins or their derivatives, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300410India: USD 21m at USD 35,257 a tonne. Austria: USD 12m (26 per cent of the line) at USD 25,780 a tonne, 27 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 35,257 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 840890India: USD 21m at USD 28,927 a tonne. China: USD 36m (20 per cent of the line) at USD 11,548 a tonne, 60 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 18,802 a tonne.
  15. Electrical static convertersHS 850440India: USD 16m at USD 101,332 a tonne. China: USD 417m (63 per cent of the line) at USD 27,220 a tonne, 73 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 65,123 a tonne.
  16. T-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crochetedHS 610910India: USD 14m at USD 27,865 a tonne. Madagascar: USD 44m (26 per cent of the line) at USD 16,832 a tonne, 40 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 33,674 a tonne.
  17. Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500ccHS 870332India: USD 13m at USD 21,982 a tonne. Germany: USD 151m (40 per cent of the line) at USD 14,617 a tonne, 34 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 12,158 a tonne.
  18. Tools, interchangeable: rock drilling or earth boring tools, with working part (other than of cermets), whether or not power operated, including partsHS 820719India: USD 12m at USD 19,506 a tonne. China: USD 16m (28 per cent of the line) at USD 6,828 a tonne, 65 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 21,480 a tonne.
  19. Semiconductor media: smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37HS 852352India: USD 12m at USD 327,201 a tonne. China: USD 70m (65 per cent of the line) at USD 95,050 a tonne, 71 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 235,662 a tonne.
  20. Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on construction, mining or industrial handling vehicles and machinesHS 401180India: USD 12m at USD 6,163 a tonne. China: USD 47m (22 per cent of the line) at USD 2,959 a tonne, 52 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 5,362 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 India'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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