South Africa: Laser Market 2025

Laser Market Size in South Africa

The South African laser market declined to $X in 2021, which is down by -6.2% against the previous year. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a significant expansion. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Laser Production in South Africa

In value terms, laser production dropped to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a abrupt shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 877%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Laser Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, shipments abroad of lasers, other than laser diodes was finally on the rise to reach X units after two years of decline. Overall, exports, however, recorded a precipitous decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 2,016%. The exports peaked at X units in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, laser exports contracted dramatically to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, showed a slight contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 258%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Lesotho (X units) was the main destination for laser exports from South Africa, with a 73% share of total exports. Moreover, laser exports to Lesotho exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Swaziland (X units), threefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Lesotho totaled -3.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Swaziland (-30.3% per year) and Botswana (-53.0% per year).

In value terms, Botswana ($X) remains the key foreign market for laser exports from South Africa, comprising 16% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Swaziland ($X), with a 1% share of total exports. It was followed by Lesotho, with less than 0.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Botswana stood at +16.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Swaziland (+35.4% per year) and Lesotho (+15.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average laser export price stood at $X per unit in 2021, with a decrease of -94.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, posted significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the average export price increased by 73,993% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per unit. From 2017 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Botswana ($X per unit), while the average price for exports to Lesotho (less than $X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Uganda (+5,730.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Laser Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas purchases of lasers, other than laser diodes, when their volume increased by 37% to X units. Overall, imports, however, saw a dramatic contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 49% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X units in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, laser imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a pronounced descent. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Germany (X units), China (X units) and the United States (X units) were the main suppliers of laser imports to South Africa, with a combined 84% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by China (with a CAGR of -27.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, Germany ($X), the United States ($X) and China ($X) were the largest laser suppliers to South Africa, with a combined 81% share of total imports. These countries were followed by the UK, France, Taiwan (Chinese), Singapore and the Philippines, which together accounted for a further 9.5%.

The UK, with a CAGR of +7.1%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average laser import price amounted to $X per unit, picking up by 4.5% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the average import price increased by 3,226%. The import price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per unit), while the price for China ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Taiwan (Chinese) (+143.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :