Niobium ore exports from Ethiopia: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of niobium ore by Ethiopia reached $13.2 million in 2024 (150 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 22% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $17.1 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $13.2M | 150 t |
| 2023 | $16.9M | 635 t |
| 2022 | $17.1M | 198 t |
| 2021 | $5.5M | 102 t |
| 2020 | $5.4M | 86 t |
| 2019 | $8.7M | 125 t |
| 2018 | $13.8M | 189 t |
| 2017 | $7.4M | 165 t |
Where Ethiopia exports niobium ore to
China alone took 90% of it. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+90% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $11.8M | 90% |
| Thailand | $638K | 4.8% |
| Malaysia | $453K | 3.4% |
| United States | $152K | 1.2% |
| Hong Kong | $118K | 0.9% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2615
| 2615.90 | Specialty metal ore | 100% |
| 2615.10 | Zirconium ore | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2615.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $87.67 per kg, 6592% above the world average of $1.31. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Ethiopia?
The shipment records behind Ethiopia niobium ore exports (HS 2615): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 2615: Niobium, tantalum, vanadium or zirconium ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of niobium ore exported by Ethiopia?
Ethiopia exported niobium ore worth $13.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 150 tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 93 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 22% on 2023.
Which countries buy niobium ore from Ethiopia?
China was the largest buyer with 90% of the value ($11.8 million), followed by Thailand (5%) and Malaysia (3%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 6 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 90% on the year.
What is the average export price of niobium ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $87.67 per kg in 2024, 6592% above the world average of $1.31 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of niobium ore from Ethiopia changed since 2017?
Exports went from $7.4 million in 2017 to $13.2 million in 2024, an increase of 78%. The peak was 2022 at $17.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for niobium ore?
The HS code for niobium ore is heading 2615. In Ethiopia all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2615.90. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2615 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for Ethiopia. Tell us your product to see it live.
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