Trade lane
What South Africa buys from the United States.
South Africa imported USD 4.3bn of manufactured and processed goods from the United States in 2024, down 8 per cent on 2022. That is 6 per cent of everything South Africa imported in these lines, and the United States is its number 4 source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where the United States 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 4.3bnfrom the United States in 2024 (USD 4.7bn in 2022)
6 per centof South Africa's imports in these lines, USD 68bn from every source
512product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#4the United States'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 States for it at the border, the United States'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 47 per cent of the lane.
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1
Reagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, whether or not put up in the form of...HS 382219
Share of South Africa's imports51 per cent, 79 source countriesChangeup 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 121m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 164,631 a tonne, 890 tonnesUSD 146min 2024 -
2
Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890
Share of South Africa's imports27 per cent, 117 source countriesChangedown 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 112m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 83,357 a tonne, 1,255 tonnesUSD 105min 2024 -
3
Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490
Share of South Africa's imports7 per cent, 90 source countriesChangeup 119 per cent on 2022 (USD 46m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 135,289 a tonne, 741 tonnesUSD 100min 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 imports8 per cent, 107 source countriesChangeup 133 per cent on 2022 (USD 42m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 350,751 a tonne, 280 tonnesUSD 98min 2024 -
5
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 imports67 per cent, 14 source countriesChangedown 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 92m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 14,092 a tonne, 6,417 tonnesUSD 90min 2024 -
6
Machinery: parts of machines handling earth, minerals or ores and n.e.c. in heading no. 8431HS 843149
Share of South Africa's imports22 per cent, 99 source countriesChangedown 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 94m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 18,928 a tonne, 4,327 tonnesUSD 82min 2024 -
7
Automatic data processing machines: presented in the form of systems, n.e.c. in item no. 8471.30 or 8471.41HS 847149
Share of South Africa's imports59 per cent, 60 source countriesChangefrom USD 8m in 2022Unit valueUSD 206,128 a tonne, 367 tonnesUSD 76min 2024 -
8
Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500ccHS 870333
Share of South Africa's imports21 per cent, 21 source countriesChangedown 52 per cent on 2022 (USD 146m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 22,670 a tonne, 3,070 tonnesUSD 70min 2024 -
9
Tractors: track-layingHS 870130
Share of South Africa's imports98 per cent, 6 source countriesChangeup 337 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 15,613 a tonne, 3,812 tonnesUSD 60min 2024 -
10
Fibres: artificial filament tow of cellulose acetateHS 550210
Share of South Africa's imports80 per cent, 10 source countriesChangeup 197 per cent on 2022 (USD 19m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 7,134 a tonne, 7,852 tonnesUSD 56min 2024 -
11
Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or moreHS 390120
Share of South Africa's imports26 per cent, 44 source countriesChangeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 35m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,116 a tonne, 41,188 tonnesUSD 46min 2024 -
12
Pumps: reciprocating positive displacement pumps, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 841350
Share of South Africa's imports52 per cent, 65 source countriesChangeup 206 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 59,117 a tonne, 772 tonnesUSD 46min 2024 -
13
Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goodsHS 870410
Share of South Africa's imports12 per cent, 21 source countriesChangedown 51 per cent on 2022 (USD 88m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 11,484 a tonne, 3,730 tonnesUSD 43min 2024 -
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 840890
Share of South Africa's imports23 per cent, 49 source countriesChangeup 137 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 28,838 a tonne, 1,433 tonnesUSD 41min 2024 -
15
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 imports16 per cent, 73 source countriesChangeup 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 39m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 16,174 a tonne, 2,457 tonnesUSD 40min 2024 -
16
Wood pulp: chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), semi-bleached or bleached, of coniferous woodHS 470321
Share of South Africa's imports40 per cent, 18 source countriesChangedown 46 per cent on 2022 (USD 73m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 951 a tonne, 41,547 tonnesUSD 40min 2024 -
17
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 imports8 per cent, 72 source countriesChangeup 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 36m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 280,272 a tonne, 134 tonnesUSD 38min 2024 -
18
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000ccHS 870324
Share of South Africa's imports21 per cent, 29 source countriesChangedown 58 per cent on 2022 (USD 89m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 66,352 a tonne, 564 tonnesUSD 37min 2024 -
19
Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on construction, mining or industrial handling vehicles and machinesHS 401180
Share of South Africa's imports18 per cent, 34 source countriesChangedown 47 per cent on 2022 (USD 70m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 7,513 a tonne, 4,951 tonnesUSD 37min 2024 -
20
Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899
Share of South Africa's imports8 per cent, 131 source countriesChangeup 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 30m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 21,895 a tonne, 1,669 tonnesUSD 37min 2024 -
21
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 imports9 per cent, 27 source countriesChangeup 263 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 22,371 a tonne, 1,541 tonnesUSD 34min 2024 -
22
Orthopaedic or fracture appliancesHS 902110
Share of South Africa's imports44 per cent, 64 source countriesChangedown 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 35m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 294,088 a tonne, 116 tonnesUSD 34min 2024 -
23
Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94HS 390140
Share of South Africa's imports46 per cent, 22 source countriesChangedown 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 42m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 881 a tonne, 37,946 tonnesUSD 33min 2024 -
24
Electric generating sets: wind-powered, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines)HS 850231
Share of South Africa's imports8 per cent, 17 source countriesChangefrom USD 18k in 2022Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 33min 2024 -
25
Engines: for aircraft, spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston enginesHS 840710
Share of South Africa's imports67 per cent, 30 source countriesChangefrom USD 36k in 2022Unit valueUSD 4.8m a tonne, 6.7 tonnesUSD 32min 2024 -
26
Gears and gearing: (not toothed wheels, chain sprockets and other transmission elements presented separately): ball or roller screws: gear boxes and other speed...HS 848340
Share of South Africa's imports19 per cent, 79 source countriesChangeup 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 29m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 46,099 a tonne, 689 tonnesUSD 32min 2024 -
27
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 imports15 per cent, 83 source countriesChangefrom USD 4m in 2022Unit valueUSD 51,163 a tonne, 604 tonnesUSD 31min 2024 -
28
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 imports19 per cent, 42 source countriesChangeup 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 28m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 662,943 a tonne, 46 tonnesUSD 30min 2024 -
29
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 imports13 per cent, 103 source countriesChangeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 153,305 a tonne, 194 tonnesUSD 30min 2024 -
30
Lubricating oil additives: containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous mineralsHS 381121
Share of South Africa's imports20 per cent, 25 source countriesChangedown 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 36m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 4,653 a tonne, 6,154 tonnesUSD 29min 2024 -
31
Medical, surgical instruments and appliances: catheters, cannulae and the likeHS 901839
Share of South Africa's imports24 per cent, 76 source countriesChangeup 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 28min 2024 -
32
Instruments and apparatus: using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR), (other than spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs)HS 902750
Share of South Africa's imports40 per cent, 65 source countriesChangeup 96 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 499,455 a tonne, 56 tonnesUSD 28min 2024 -
33
Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690
Share of South Africa's imports9 per cent, 129 source countriesChangeup 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 26,409 a tonne, 1,051 tonnesUSD 28min 2024 -
34
Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94HS 390110
Share of South Africa's imports15 per cent, 40 source countriesChangeup 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,108 a tonne, 24,392 tonnesUSD 27min 2024 -
35
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 imports11 per cent, 46 source countriesChangeup 52 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 19,588 a tonne, 1,315 tonnesUSD 26min 2024 -
36
Valves: for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissionsHS 848120
Share of South Africa's imports30 per cent, 85 source countriesChangeup 64 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 109,489 a tonne, 220 tonnesUSD 24min 2024 -
37
Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499
Share of South Africa's imports6 per cent, 77 source countriesChangedown 20 per cent on 2022 (USD 30m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 5,394 a tonne, 4,393 tonnesUSD 24min 2024 -
38
Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)HS 840999
Share of South Africa's imports16 per cent, 103 source countriesChangeup 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 21m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 39,777 a tonne, 581 tonnesUSD 23min 2024 -
39
Electrical static convertersHS 850440
Share of South Africa's imports3 per cent, 113 source countriesChangedown 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 27m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 78,380 a tonne, 287 tonnesUSD 22min 2024 -
40
Insecticides: other than containing goods specified in Subheading Notes 1 & 2 to this Chapter: put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articlesHS 380891
Share of South Africa's imports15 per cent, 52 source countriesChangedown 41 per cent on 2022 (USD 37m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 11,114 a tonne, 1,961 tonnesUSD 22min 2024 -
41
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 imports14 per cent, 32 source countriesChangeup 179 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 198,266 a tonne, 109 tonnesUSD 22min 2024 -
42
Artificial parts of the bodyHS 902131
Share of South Africa's imports31 per cent, 35 source countriesChangedown 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 24m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 443,807 a tonne, 45 tonnesUSD 20min 2024 -
43
Boring or sinking machinery: self-propelled, n.e.c. in heading no. 8430HS 843041
Share of South Africa's imports16 per cent, 26 source countriesChangedown 24 per cent on 2022 (USD 26m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 18,620 a tonne, 1,060 tonnesUSD 20min 2024 -
44
Herbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators: other than containing goods of Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter: put up in forms or packings for...HS 380893
Share of South Africa's imports10 per cent, 31 source countriesChangedown 5 per cent on 2022 (USD 20m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 21,725 a tonne, 900 tonnesUSD 20min 2024 -
45
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323
Share of South Africa's imports4 per cent, 40 source countriesChangeup 22 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 22,092 a tonne, 883 tonnesUSD 20min 2024 -
46
Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690
Share of South Africa's imports9 per cent, 101 source countriesChangedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 20m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 16,220 a tonne, 1,169 tonnesUSD 19min 2024 -
47
Vehicles: parts and accessories, of bodies, other than safety seat beltsHS 870829
Share of South Africa's imports6 per cent, 101 source countriesChangedown 43 per cent on 2022 (USD 33m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 13,541 a tonne, 1,374 tonnesUSD 19min 2024 -
48
Electrical machines and apparatus: having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, n.e.c. in heading no. 8543HS 854370
Share of South Africa's imports16 per cent, 105 source countriesChangeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 154,442 a tonne, 120 tonnesUSD 19min 2024 -
49
Transmission components: toothed wheels, chain sprockets and other transmission elements presented separately: partsHS 848390
Share of South Africa's imports18 per cent, 93 source countriesChangedown 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 35,463 a tonne, 520 tonnesUSD 18min 2024 -
50
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 imports7 per cent, 109 source countriesChangedown 22 per cent on 2022 (USD 24m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 79,834 a tonne, 229 tonnesUSD 18min 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.
- Automatic data processing machines: presented in the form of systems, n.e.c. in item no. 8471.30 or 8471.41HS 847149USD 76m in 2024, from USD 8m in 2022. The United States supplies 59 per cent of the line.
- Tractors: track-layingHS 870130USD 60m in 2024, up 337 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022). The United States supplies 98 per cent of the line.
- Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500ccHS 870332USD 34m in 2024, up 263 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). The United States supplies 9 per cent of the line.
- Pumps: reciprocating positive displacement pumps, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 841350USD 46m in 2024, up 206 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022). The United States supplies 52 per cent of the line.
- Fibres: artificial filament tow of cellulose acetateHS 550210USD 56m in 2024, up 197 per cent on 2022 (USD 19m in 2022). The United States supplies 80 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 22m in 2024, up 179 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). The United States supplies 14 per cent of the line.
- Vehicles: break-down lorries, road-sweepers, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other special purpose vehicles n.e.c. in heading no. 8705HS 870590USD 14m in 2024, up 143 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). The United States supplies 37 per cent of the line.
- Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of...HS 840890USD 41m in 2024, up 137 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022). The United States supplies 23 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 98m in 2024, up 133 per cent on 2022 (USD 42m in 2022). The United States supplies 8 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 100m in 2024, up 119 per cent on 2022 (USD 46m in 2022). The United States supplies 7 per cent of the line.
- Radio navigational aid apparatusHS 852691USD 14m in 2024, up 105 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). The United States supplies 15 per cent of the line.
- Turbines: parts of turbo-jets and turbo-propellersHS 841191USD 15m in 2024, up 101 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). The United States supplies 29 per cent of the line.
- Instruments and apparatus: using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR), (other than spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs)HS 902750USD 28m in 2024, up 96 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022). The United States supplies 40 per cent of the line.
- Mechanical appliances: agricultural or horticultural, n.e.c. in heading 8424HS 842482USD 11m in 2024, up 66 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). The United States supplies 39 per cent of the line.
- Valves: for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissionsHS 848120USD 24m in 2024, up 64 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022). The United States supplies 30 per cent of the line.
- Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products: n.e.c. in item 3002.3HS 300249USD 8m in 2024, up 57 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). The United States supplies 25 per cent of the line.
- Games: operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or by other means of payment, other than billiard articles and accesssories, and automatic bowling alley equipmentHS 950430USD 18m in 2024, up 55 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). The United States supplies 42 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 26m in 2024, up 52 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022). The United States supplies 11 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 11m in 2024, up 47 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). The United States supplies 9 per cent of the line.
- Boring or sinking machinery: parts for boring or sinking machinery of subheading 8430.41 or 8430.49HS 843143USD 10m in 2024, up 47 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). The United States supplies 8 per cent of the line.
Where the United States dominates
Lines where the United States supplies 60 per cent or more.
The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where the United States 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.
- Tractors: n.e.c. in heading no 8701 (other than tractors of heading no 8709): of an engine power exceeding 130kWHS 87019567 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 90m; 14 source countries in all.
- Tractors: track-layingHS 87013098 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 60m; 6 source countries in all.
- Fibres: artificial filament tow of cellulose acetateHS 55021080 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 56m; 10 source countries in all.
- Engines: for aircraft, spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston enginesHS 84071067 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 32m; 30 source countries in all.
- Navigational instruments and appliances: for aeronautical or space navigation (excluding compasses)HS 90142063 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 17m; 34 source countries in all.
- Wood: oak (Quercus spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or finger-jointed, thicker than 6mmHS 44079170 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 9m; 20 source countries in all.
- Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isopreneHS 29012493 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 9m; 4 source countries in all.
- Electric generators: AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVAHS 85016262 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 9m; 20 source countries in all.
- Unsaturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons: 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) and...HS 29035193 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 9m; 6 source countries in all.
- Safety fusesHS 36031062 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 7m; 6 source countries in all.
- Vehicles: specially designed for travelling on snow, golf cars and similar vehiclesHS 87031067 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 5m; 13 source countries in all.
- Friction material and articles thereof (e.g. sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads) not mounted: for brakes, clutches or the like, with a basis of...HS 68132094 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 3m; 18 source countries in all.
- Juice: cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vaccinium oxycoccos): Iingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), unfermented, not containing added spirit, whether or not containing...HS 20098182 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 3m; 16 source countries in all.
- Balloons and dirigibles: gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft.HS 88010091 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 3m; 19 source countries in all.
- Mowers: for lawns, parks or sports-grounds, other than with the cutting device rotating in a horizontal planeHS 84331961 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 3m; 19 source countries in all.
- Engines: pneumatic power engines and motors, n.e.c. in heading no. 8412HS 84128064 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 3m; 38 source countries in all.
- Wood pulp: chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous woodHS 47031166 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 2m; 3 source countries in all.
- Fruit: cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vaccinium oxycoccos): Iingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar...HS 20089382 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 2m; 7 source countries in all.
- Ethers: acyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, other than diethyl etherHS 29091961 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 2m; 17 source countries in all.
- Tantalum: articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8103HS 81039999 per cent of South Africa's imports of the line, USD 2m; 8 source countries in all.
Another source, lower unit value
Where another country ships the same line for at least 20 per cent less a tonne.
Lines worth USD 5m or more where the United States'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.
- 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 382219The United States: USD 146m at USD 164,631 a tonne. Germany: USD 33m (11 per cent of the line) at USD 35,003 a tonne, 79 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 133,280 a tonne.
- Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890The United States: USD 105m at USD 83,357 a tonne. Germany: USD 44m (11 per cent of the line) at USD 61,452 a tonne, 26 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 63,591 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 300490The United States: USD 100m at USD 135,289 a tonne. India: USD 570m (40 per cent of the line) at USD 32,790 a tonne, 76 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 71,750 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 States: USD 98m at USD 350,751 a tonne. China: USD 443m (38 per cent of the line) at USD 100,002 a tonne, 72 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 350,748 a tonne.
- Machinery: parts of machines handling earth, minerals or ores and n.e.c. in heading no. 8431HS 843149The United States: USD 82m at USD 18,928 a tonne. China: USD 101m (27 per cent of the line) at USD 4,035 a tonne, 79 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,006 a tonne.
- Automatic data processing machines: presented in the form of systems, n.e.c. in item no. 8471.30 or 8471.41HS 847149The United States: USD 76m at USD 206,128 a tonne. China: USD 18m (14 per cent of the line) at USD 69,669 a tonne, 66 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 195,643 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500ccHS 870333The United States: USD 70m at USD 22,670 a tonne. Thailand: USD 54m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 11,627 a tonne, 49 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 20,045 a tonne.
- Pumps: reciprocating positive displacement pumps, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 841350The United States: USD 46m at USD 59,117 a tonne. Italy: USD 6m (7 per cent of the line) at USD 38,369 a tonne, 35 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 42,522 a tonne.
- Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goodsHS 870410The United States: USD 43m at USD 11,484 a tonne. China: USD 33m (9 per cent of the line) at USD 4,297 a tonne, 63 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 11,846 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 States: USD 41m at USD 28,838 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.
- Vehicle parts: drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles: parts thereofHS 870850The United States: USD 40m at USD 16,174 a tonne. Germany: USD 71m (29 per cent of the line) at USD 11,593 a tonne, 28 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 12,720 a tonne.
- 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 847150The United States: USD 38m at USD 280,272 a tonne. Poland: USD 77m (17 per cent of the line) at USD 160,972 a tonne, 43 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 280,273 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000ccHS 870324The United States: USD 37m at USD 66,352 a tonne. Germany: USD 29m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 21,376 a tonne, 68 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 66,414 a tonne.
- Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on construction, mining or industrial handling vehicles and machinesHS 401180The United States: USD 37m at USD 7,513 a tonne. Japan: USD 64m (30 per cent of the line) at USD 4,949 a tonne, 34 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 5,362 a tonne.
- Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899The United States: USD 37m at USD 21,895 a tonne. Germany: USD 107m (22 per cent of the line) at USD 10,092 a tonne, 54 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 10,612 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500ccHS 870332The United States: USD 34m at USD 22,371 a tonne. Germany: USD 151m (40 per cent of the line) at USD 14,617 a tonne, 35 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 12,158 a tonne.
- Gears and gearing: (not toothed wheels, chain sprockets and other transmission elements presented separately): ball or roller screws: gear boxes and other speed...HS 848340The United States: USD 32m at USD 46,099 a tonne. Germany: USD 26m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 26,478 a tonne, 43 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 24,740 a tonne.
- Lighting or visual signalling equipment: electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539)HS 851220The United States: USD 31m at USD 51,163 a tonne. Thailand: USD 34m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 31,815 a tonne, 38 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 48,365 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 853710The United States: USD 30m at USD 153,305 a tonne. Germany: USD 48m (21 per cent of the line) at USD 95,080 a tonne, 38 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 79,867 a tonne.
- Lubricating oil additives: containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous mineralsHS 381121The United States: USD 29m at USD 4,653 a tonne. France: USD 36m (25 per cent of the line) at USD 3,531 a tonne, 24 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 4,022 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 States'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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A sourcing alert for the United States 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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