South Africa: Lithium-Ion Accumulator Market 2024

Lithium-Ion Accumulator Market Size in South Africa

The South African lithium-ion accumulator market surged to $X in 2021, picking up by 17% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption, however, recorded a significant increase. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Lithium-Ion Accumulator Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of lithium-ion accumulators decreased by -8.1% to X units, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, exports, however, recorded slight growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 324%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X units in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lithium-ion accumulator exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, posted a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 193% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Namibia (X units), Botswana (X units) and the Netherlands (X units) were the main destinations of lithium-ion accumulator exports from South Africa, with a combined 45% share of total exports. Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, China, New Zealand, Kenya, Mozambique, Swaziland, Angola and Zambia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 42%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +105.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($X), Namibia ($X) and Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for lithium-ion accumulator exported from South Africa worldwide, with a combined 50% share of total exports. Botswana, the Netherlands, Mauritius, Mozambique, New Zealand, Zambia, Kenya, China, Swaziland and Angola lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 34%.

Among the main countries of destination, China, with a CAGR of +300.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average lithium-ion accumulator export price stood at $X per unit in 2021, picking up by 95% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 332% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($X per unit), while the average price for exports to Angola ($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 Zimbabwe (+44.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lithium-Ion Accumulator Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, approx. X units of lithium-ion accumulators were imported into South Africa; dropping by -50.7% compared with 2020 figures. Over the period under review, imports recorded a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 61% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X units in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lithium-ion accumulator imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 129% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X units) constituted the largest lithium-ion accumulator supplier to South Africa, with a 69% share of total imports. Moreover, lithium-ion accumulator imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X units), sevenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Poland (X units), with a 4.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from China amounted to -4.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (-19.3% per year) and Poland (+26.3% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lithium-ion accumulators to South Africa, comprising 88% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with a 2.7% share of total imports. It was followed by Hong Kong SAR, with a 1.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from China totaled +55.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+20.8% per year) and Hong Kong SAR (+49.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average lithium-ion accumulator import price stood at $X per unit in 2021, jumping by 139% against the previous year. In general, the import price posted a significant expansion. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was China ($X per unit), while the price for Poland ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+63.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform