South Africa: Telecommunications Instrument Market 2025

Telecommunications Instrument Market Size in South Africa

After three years of growth, the South African telecommunications instrument market decreased by -3.8% to $X in 2021. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

Telecommunications Instrument Production in South Africa

In value terms, telecommunications instrument production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +56.4% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 31%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Telecommunications Instrument Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in shipments abroad of telecommunications instruments, when their volume decreased by -5.6% to X units. Over the period under review, exports recorded a slight downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 475%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X units. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, telecommunications instrument exports surged to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a abrupt decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 269% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United States (X units) was the main destination for telecommunications instrument exports from South Africa, accounting for a 65% share of total exports. Moreover, telecommunications instrument exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the UK (X units), sixfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Namibia (X units), with an 8.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States totaled +78.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (+64.9% per year) and Namibia (+9.2% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for telecommunications instruments exports from South Africa, comprising 66% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the UK ($X), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Namibia, with an 8.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States stood at +23.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (+5.7% per year) and Namibia (-25.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average telecommunications instrument export price stood at $X per unit in 2021, surging by 54% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a deep contraction. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per unit in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to France ($X per unit) and Australia ($X per unit), while the average price for exports to Botswana ($X per unit) and the United States ($X per unit) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Botswana (-0.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Telecommunications Instrument Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, the amount of telecommunications instruments imported into South Africa soared to X units, jumping by 70% against 2020 figures. Overall, imports, however, recorded a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 106%. Imports peaked at X units in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, telecommunications instrument imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a deep contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 72% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X units) constituted the largest supplier of telecommunications instrument to South Africa, with a 33% share of total imports. Moreover, telecommunications instrument imports from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United Arab Emirates (X units), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Japan (X units), with an 8.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the United States amounted to -13.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+16.4% per year) and Japan (+18.9% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of telecommunications instruments to South Africa, comprising 34% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Japan ($X), with an 8.8% share of total imports. It was followed by China, with a 7.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States amounted to -7.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Japan (+20.7% per year) and China (-9.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average telecommunications instrument import price amounted to $X per unit, dropping by -31.6% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed noticeable growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the average import price increased by 123% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per unit, and then dropped significantly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per unit), while the price for the United Arab Emirates ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+8.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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