Trade lane
What South Africa buys from the United Kingdom.
South Africa imported USD 1.5bn of manufactured and processed goods from the United Kingdom in 2024, down 8 per cent on 2022. That is 2 per cent of everything South Africa imported in these lines, and the United Kingdom is its number 9 source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where the United Kingdom 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 1.5bnfrom the United Kingdom in 2024 (USD 1.6bn in 2022)
2 per centof South Africa's imports in these lines, USD 68bn from every source
284product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#9the United Kingdom'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 the United Kingdom for it at the border, the United Kingdom'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
WhiskiesHS 220830
Share of South Africa's imports52 per cent, 56 source countriesChangedown 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 116m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 5,380 a tonne, 15,084 tonnesUSD 81min 2024 -
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 imports3 per cent, 90 source countriesChangeup 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 39m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 20,342 a tonne, 2,341 tonnesUSD 48min 2024 -
3
Vehicles: with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by...HS 870350
Share of South Africa's imports37 per cent, 4 source countriesChangefrom USD 7m in 2022Unit valueUSD 18,595 a tonne, 2,326 tonnesUSD 43min 2024 -
4
Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 851762
Share of South Africa's imports4 per cent, 107 source countriesChangeup 165 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 274,814 a tonne, 151 tonnesUSD 42min 2024 -
5
Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goodsHS 870410
Share of South Africa's imports9 per cent, 21 source countriesChangedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 35m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 15,861 a tonne, 2,100 tonnesUSD 33min 2024 -
6
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 imports4 per cent, 19 source countriesChangefrom USD 22k in 2022Unit valueUSD 12,886 a tonne, 2,366 tonnesUSD 30min 2024 -
7
Printed matter: books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91HS 490199
Share of South Africa's imports36 per cent, 137 source countriesChangeup 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 12,700 a tonne, 1,883 tonnesUSD 24min 2024 -
8
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000ccHS 870324
Share of South Africa's imports10 per cent, 29 source countriesChangedown 50 per cent on 2022 (USD 38m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 69,759 a tonne, 268 tonnesUSD 19min 2024 -
9
Tractors: n.e.c. in heading no 8701 (other than tractors of heading no 8709): of an engine power exceeding 75kW but not exceeding 130kWHS 870194
Share of South Africa's imports25 per cent, 16 source countriesChangedown 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 44m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 12,226 a tonne, 1,423 tonnesUSD 17min 2024 -
10
Turbo-jets: of a thrust exceeding 25kNHS 841112
Share of South Africa's imports35 per cent, 11 source countriesChangeup 67 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1.9m a tonne, 8.9 tonnesUSD 17min 2024 -
11
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 imports7 per cent, 46 source countriesChangeup 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 57,654 a tonne, 267 tonnesUSD 15min 2024 -
12
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 imports8 per cent, 49 source countriesChangedown 24 per cent on 2022 (USD 19m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 15,851 a tonne, 931 tonnesUSD 15min 2024 -
13
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 870340
Share of South Africa's imports15 per cent, 10 source countriesChangeup 182 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 25,159 a tonne, 583 tonnesUSD 15min 2024 -
14
Machines: for crushing or grinding earth, stone, ores or other mineral substancesHS 847420
Share of South Africa's imports20 per cent, 39 source countriesChangeup 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 10,680 a tonne, 1,259 tonnesUSD 13min 2024 -
15
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323
Share of South Africa's imports3 per cent, 40 source countriesChangedown 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 18,275 a tonne, 729 tonnesUSD 13min 2024 -
16
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 imports3 per cent, 27 source countriesChangedown 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 13min 2024 -
17
Medicaments: containing hormones (but not insulin), adrenal cortex hormones or antibiotics, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300439
Share of South Africa's imports8 per cent, 32 source countriesChangeup 124 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 696,224 a tonne, 18 tonnesUSD 12min 2024 -
18
Machines: for sorting, screening, separating or washing earth, stone, ores or other mineral substancesHS 847410
Share of South Africa's imports25 per cent, 33 source countriesChangeup 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 8,419 a tonne, 1,356 tonnesUSD 11min 2024 -
19
Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of polycarbonates, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with...HS 392061
Share of South Africa's imports59 per cent, 35 source countriesChangeup 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 4,606 a tonne, 2,274 tonnesUSD 10min 2024 -
20
Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)HS 840999
Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 103 source countriesChangedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 5,958 a tonne, 1,628 tonnesUSD 10min 2024 -
21
Engines: parts, suitable for use solely or principally with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines (for other than aircraft)HS 840991
Share of South Africa's imports10 per cent, 98 source countriesChangeup 129 per cent on 2022 (USD 4m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 10min 2024 -
22
Slag wool, rock wool and similar mineral wools (including intermixtures thereof), in bulk, sheets or rollsHS 680610
Share of South Africa's imports34 per cent, 28 source countriesChangedown 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 9min 2024 -
23
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 imports5 per cent, 37 source countriesChangedown 69 per cent on 2022 (USD 30m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 9min 2024 -
24
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 imports7 per cent, 14 source countriesChangedown 58 per cent on 2022 (USD 21m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 13,456 a tonne, 671 tonnesUSD 9min 2024 -
25
Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690
Share of South Africa's imports4 per cent, 101 source countriesChangedown 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 8,453 a tonne, 1,066 tonnesUSD 9min 2024 -
26
Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499
Share of South Africa's imports2 per cent, 77 source countriesChangeup 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 6,237 a tonne, 1,423 tonnesUSD 9min 2024 -
27
Units of automatic data processing machines: processing units other than those of item no. 8471.41 or 8471.49, whether or not containing in the same housing one or two...HS 847150
Share of South Africa's imports2 per cent, 72 source countriesChangedown 68 per cent on 2022 (USD 27m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 135,210 a tonne, 64 tonnesUSD 9min 2024 -
28
Gin and genevaHS 220850
Share of South Africa's imports83 per cent, 44 source countriesChangedown 39 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 3,415 a tonne, 2,530 tonnesUSD 9min 2024 -
29
Medicaments: containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses...HS 300432
Share of South Africa's imports15 per cent, 24 source countriesChangeup 56 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 123,867 a tonne, 66 tonnesUSD 8min 2024 -
30
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 imports4 per cent, 107 source countriesChangeup 53 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 18,547 a tonne, 420 tonnesUSD 8min 2024 -
31
Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990
Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 57 source countriesChangeup 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 3,344 a tonne, 2,234 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
32
Electrical static convertersHS 850440
Share of South Africa's imports1 per cent, 113 source countriesChangedown 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 86,668 a tonne, 86 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
33
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 countriesChangedown 41 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 132,672 a tonne, 56 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
34
Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890
Share of South Africa's imports2 per cent, 117 source countriesChangedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 68,502 a tonne, 106 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
35
Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390
Share of South Africa's imports22 per cent, 66 source countriesChangeup 39 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2,988 a tonne, 2,396 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
36
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 imports2 per cent, 79 source countriesChangedown 32 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 163,884 a tonne, 43 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
37
Furnaces and ovens: parts of non-electric furnaces and ovens (including incinerators), of industrial or laboratory useHS 841790
Share of South Africa's imports37 per cent, 37 source countriesChangefrom USD 311k in 2022Unit valueUSD 30,333 a tonne, 232 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
38
Lenses, contact: unmounted, of any material, excluding elements of glass not optically workedHS 900130
Share of South Africa's imports69 per cent, 37 source countriesChangeup 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 221,671 a tonne, 31 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
39
Reagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, or put up in the form of kits, other...HS 382290
Share of South Africa's imports13 per cent, 101 source countriesChangeup 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 139,706 a tonne, 48 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
40
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 imports2 per cent, 109 source countriesChangedown 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 41,842 a tonne, 157 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
41
Machinery: industrial, for bakery and for the manufacture of macaroni, spaghetti or similar productsHS 843810
Share of South Africa's imports22 per cent, 38 source countriesChangeup 215 per cent on 2022 (USD 2m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 23,600 a tonne, 276 tonnesUSD 7min 2024 -
42
Machinery: parts of machines handling earth, minerals or ores and n.e.c. in heading no. 8431HS 843149
Share of South Africa's imports2 per cent, 99 source countriesChangedown 22 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 6,549 a tonne, 977 tonnesUSD 6min 2024 -
43
Pumps: parts thereofHS 841391
Share of South Africa's imports6 per cent, 97 source countriesChangeup 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 88,410 a tonne, 72 tonnesUSD 6min 2024 -
44
Textiles: made up articles (including dress patterns), n.e.c. in chapter 63, n.e.c. in heading no. 6307HS 630790
Share of South Africa's imports17 per cent, 103 source countriesChangeup 345 per cent on 2022 (USD 1m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 25,362 a tonne, 248 tonnesUSD 6min 2024 -
45
Signalling apparatus: electric, sound or visual, burglar or fire alarms and similar, other than those of heading no. 8512 or 8530HS 853110
Share of South Africa's imports24 per cent, 61 source countriesChangeup 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 72,180 a tonne, 85 tonnesUSD 6min 2024 -
46
Navigational instruments and appliances: for aeronautical or space navigation (excluding compasses)HS 901420
Share of South Africa's imports23 per cent, 34 source countriesChangeup 269 per cent on 2022 (USD 2m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 7.4m a tonne, 0.8 tonnesUSD 6min 2024 -
47
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 imports20 per cent, 22 source countriesChangedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 460,852 a tonne, 13 tonnesUSD 6min 2024 -
48
Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: n.e.c. in chapter 18HS 180690
Share of South Africa's imports11 per cent, 80 source countriesChangedown 28 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 9,817 a tonne, 596 tonnesUSD 6min 2024 -
49
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 imports4 per cent, 76 source countriesChangedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 11,132 a tonne, 512 tonnesUSD 6min 2024 -
50
Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networksHS 851713
Share of South Africa's importsunder 1 per cent, 91 source countriesChangefrom USD 498k in 2022Unit valueUSD 1.1m a tonne, 5.1 tonnesUSD 5min 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.
- 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 43m in 2024, from USD 7m in 2022. The United Kingdom supplies 37 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 15m in 2024, up 182 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 15 per cent of the line.
- Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 851762USD 42m in 2024, up 165 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 4 per cent of the line.
- Medicaments: containing hormones (but not insulin), adrenal cortex hormones or antibiotics, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300439USD 12m in 2024, up 124 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 8 per cent of the line.
- Turbo-jets: of a thrust exceeding 25kNHS 841112USD 17m in 2024, up 67 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 35 per cent of the line.
- Machines: for crushing or grinding earth, stone, ores or other mineral substancesHS 847420USD 13m in 2024, up 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 20 per cent of the line.
- Medicaments: containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses...HS 300432USD 8m in 2024, up 56 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 15 per cent of the line.
- 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 8m in 2024, up 53 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 4 per cent of the line.
- Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390USD 7m in 2024, up 39 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 22 per cent of the line.
- Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990USD 7m in 2024, up 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 7 per cent of the line.
- Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490USD 48m in 2024, up 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 39m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 3 per cent of the line.
- Lenses, contact: unmounted, of any material, excluding elements of glass not optically workedHS 900130USD 7m in 2024, up 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 69 per cent of the line.
- Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499USD 9m in 2024, up 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 2 per cent of the line.
- Pumps: parts thereofHS 841391USD 6m in 2024, up 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 6 per cent of the line.
- Signalling apparatus: electric, sound or visual, burglar or fire alarms and similar, other than those of heading no. 8512 or 8530HS 853110USD 6m in 2024, up 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 24 per cent of the line.
- Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of polycarbonates, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with...HS 392061USD 10m in 2024, up 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 59 per cent of the line.
- Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87HS 840820USD 15m in 2024, up 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 7 per cent of the line.
- Printed matter: books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91HS 490199USD 24m in 2024, up 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 36 per cent of the line.
- Machines: for sorting, screening, separating or washing earth, stone, ores or other mineral substancesHS 847410USD 11m in 2024, up 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 25 per cent of the line.
- Reagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, or put up in the form of kits, other...HS 382290USD 7m in 2024, up 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). The United Kingdom supplies 13 per cent of the line.
Where the United Kingdom dominates
Lines where the United Kingdom supplies 60 per cent or more.
The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where the United Kingdom 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.
- Gin and genevaHS 22085083 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 9m; 44 source countries in all.
- Lenses, contact: unmounted, of any material, excluding elements of glass not optically workedHS 90013069 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 7m; 37 source countries in all.
- Paper and paperboard: uncoated, weight more than 150g/m2 but less than 225 g/m2, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no. 4805HS 48059279 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 4m; 10 source countries in all.
- Rubber: synthetic, halo-isobutene-isoprene rubber (CIIR or BIIR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or stripHS 40023991 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 4m; 7 source countries in all.
- Newspapers, journals and periodicals: whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a weekHS 49029083 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 4m; 54 source countries in all.
- Elevators and conveyors: continuous-action, for goods or materials, bucket type, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20 or 8428.31HS 84283261 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 2m; 16 source countries in all.
- Glass fibres: glass wool and articles thereofHS 70198070 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 2m; 25 source countries in all.
- Tubes: television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, other photo-cathode tubesHS 85402066 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 2m; 13 source countries in all.
- Turbines: gas-turbines (excluding turbo-jets and turbo-propellers), of a power exceeding 5000kWHS 84118298 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 2m; 6 source countries in all.
- Paper and paperboard: corrugated, whether or not perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803HS 48081086 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 1m; 15 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 the United Kingdom'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.
- Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490The United Kingdom: USD 48m at USD 20,342 a tonne. Uruguay: USD 5m (under 1 per cent of the line) at USD 14,685 a tonne, 28 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 71,750 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by...HS 870350The United Kingdom: USD 43m at USD 18,595 a tonne. Germany: USD 16m (14 per cent of the line) at USD 13,680 a tonne, 26 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 15,149 a tonne.
- Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 851762The United Kingdom: USD 42m at USD 274,814 a tonne. China: USD 443m (38 per cent of the line) at USD 100,002 a tonne, 64 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 350,748 a tonne.
- Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goodsHS 870410The United Kingdom: USD 33m at USD 15,861 a tonne. India: USD 86m (24 per cent of the line) at USD 12,221 a tonne, 23 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 11,846 a tonne.
- Tractors: road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)HS 870121The United Kingdom: USD 30m at USD 12,886 a tonne. Germany: USD 338m (38 per cent of the line) at USD 9,722 a tonne, 25 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 8,600 a tonne.
- Printed matter: books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91HS 490199The United Kingdom: USD 24m at USD 12,700 a tonne. China: USD 10m (15 per cent of the line) at USD 5,502 a tonne, 57 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 9,748 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000ccHS 870324The United Kingdom: USD 19m at USD 69,759 a tonne. Germany: USD 29m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 21,376 a tonne, 69 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 66,414 a tonne.
- Tractors: n.e.c. in heading no 8701 (other than tractors of heading no 8709): of an engine power exceeding 75kW but not exceeding 130kWHS 870194The United Kingdom: USD 17m at USD 12,226 a tonne. China: USD 14m (20 per cent of the line) at USD 7,689 a tonne, 37 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 12,226 a tonne.
- Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87HS 840820The United Kingdom: USD 15m at USD 57,654 a tonne. Austria: USD 96m (42 per cent of the line) at USD 30,824 a tonne, 47 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 19,588 a tonne.
- 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 840890The United Kingdom: USD 15m at USD 15,851 a tonne. China: USD 36m (20 per cent of the line) at USD 11,548 a tonne, 27 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 18,802 a tonne.
- 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 870340The United Kingdom: USD 15m at USD 25,159 a tonne. Japan: USD 29m (30 per cent of the line) at USD 9,940 a tonne, 61 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 18,860 a tonne.
- Machines: for crushing or grinding earth, stone, ores or other mineral substancesHS 847420The United Kingdom: USD 13m at USD 10,680 a tonne. China: USD 25m (38 per cent of the line) at USD 6,332 a tonne, 41 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 11,209 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323The United Kingdom: USD 13m at USD 18,275 a tonne. China: USD 193m (36 per cent of the line) at USD 8,836 a tonne, 52 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,496 a tonne.
- Medicaments: containing hormones (but not insulin), adrenal cortex hormones or antibiotics, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300439The United Kingdom: USD 12m at USD 696,224 a tonne. Germany: USD 23m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 251,125 a tonne, 64 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 272,948 a tonne.
- Machines: for sorting, screening, separating or washing earth, stone, ores or other mineral substancesHS 847410The United Kingdom: USD 11m at USD 8,419 a tonne. China: USD 11m (24 per cent of the line) at USD 4,209 a tonne, 50 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 11,646 a tonne.
- Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690The United Kingdom: USD 9m at USD 8,453 a tonne. Netherlands: USD 17m (8 per cent of the line) at USD 5,370 a tonne, 37 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 7,184 a tonne.
- Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499The United Kingdom: USD 9m at USD 6,237 a tonne. China: USD 53m (14 per cent of the line) at USD 3,704 a tonne, 41 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 3,941 a tonne.
- Medicaments: containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses...HS 300432The United Kingdom: USD 8m at USD 123,867 a tonne. Sweden: USD 10m (18 per cent of the line) at USD 66,109 a tonne, 47 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 117,562 a tonne.
- 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 330499The United Kingdom: USD 8m at USD 18,547 a tonne. Poland: USD 38m (19 per cent of the line) at USD 3,985 a tonne, 79 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,441 a tonne.
- Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990The United Kingdom: USD 7m at USD 3,344 a tonne. Netherlands: USD 9m (8 per cent of the line) at USD 1,876 a tonne, 44 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2,878 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 the United Kingdom'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 the United Kingdom 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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