Mineral substances trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in mineral substances was worth $6.49 billion in 2024, about 19.99 million tonnes. That is an increase of 159% since 2017, and down 61% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.49B | 19.99M t |
| 2023 | $16.80B | 21.22M t |
| 2022 | $10.83B | 18.68M t |
| 2021 | $3.16B | 16.01M t |
| 2020 | $2.17B | 14.75M t |
| 2019 | $2.63B | 15.63M t |
| 2018 | $3.00B | 14.79M t |
| 2017 | $2.50B | 19.28M t |
Top mineral substances exporting countries
Exports are led by Australia (51%), Zimbabwe (13%) and Brazil (5%). 175 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 69%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $3.31B | 51% |
| Zimbabwe | $839.4M | 13% |
| Brazil | $299.3M | 4.6% |
| China | $214.1M | 3.3% |
| Nigeria | $208.5M | 3.2% |
| Germany | $206.2M | 3.2% |
| United States | $173.4M | 2.7% |
| South Africa | $123.2M | 1.9% |
| Russia | $102.2M | 1.6% |
| Spain | $90.8M | 1.4% |
| Netherlands | $74.0M | 1.1% |
| Turkey | $71.0M | 1.1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 73% of world imports, ahead of South Korea and the United States. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 77% across 209 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.71B | 73% |
| South Korea | $160.4M | 2.5% |
| United States | $122.9M | 1.9% |
| Germany | $100.9M | 1.6% |
| France | $99.5M | 1.5% |
| India | $94.8M | 1.5% |
| Japan | $75.7M | 1.2% |
| Indonesia | $73.5M | 1.1% |
| Netherlands | $67.3M | 1% |
| Italy | $64.5M | 1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $60.2M | 0.9% |
| Turkey | $54.6M | 0.8% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.32 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Australia averaged $0.85 per kg and South Africa $0.11 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2530: Mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included. HS 2530 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most mineral substances?
Australia exported $3.31 billion in 2024, 51% of the world total, followed by Zimbabwe (13%) and Brazil (5%). In all, 175 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most mineral substances?
China imported $4.71 billion in 2024, 73% of world imports, ahead of South Korea (2%) and the United States (2%). The top three importers together take 77%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in mineral substances?
It was worth $6.49 billion in 2024, about 19.99 million tonnes. That is an increase of 159% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $16.80 billion. 175 countries reported exports and 209 reported imports.
What is the average price of mineral substances per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.32 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Australia averaged $0.85 per kg and South Africa $0.11 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for mineral substances?
The HS code for mineral substances is heading 2530, in chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2530 page.
How can I find mineral substances buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.