Activated mineral imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $6.4 million of activated mineral in 2024 (8.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 4% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $8.0 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.4M | 8.0K t |
| 2023 | $6.1M | 8.3K t |
| 2022 | $6.3M | 9.5K t |
| 2021 | $4.9M | 7.6K t |
| 2020 | $6.5M | 48.0K t |
| 2019 | $4.9M | 8.0K t |
| 2018 | $8.0M | 79.4K t |
| 2017 | $4.4M | 7.4K t |
Where South Africa imports activated mineral from
Most of the value came from Spain (16%), United States (13%), Germany (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 43%. Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $1.0M | 17% |
| United States | $855K | 13% |
| Germany | $841K | 13% |
| China | $801K | 13% |
| Egypt | $775K | 12% |
| India | $681K | 11% |
| Serbia | $286K | 4.5% |
| Italy | $284K | 4.5% |
| France | $225K | 3.5% |
| Turkey | $213K | 3.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.80 per kg, 122% above the world average of $0.36. 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.
Activated mineral exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $831 thousand of activated mineral in 2024 (669 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (16%), Zimbabwe (12%), DR Congo (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 40%. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+235% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $132K | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $101K | 12% |
| DR Congo | $101K | 12% |
| Malawi | $70K | 8.5% |
| Namibia | $67K | 8% |
| Sri Lanka | $64K | 7.7% |
| Botswana | $47K | 5.7% |
| France | $41K | 5% |
| Qatar | $35K | 4.3% |
| Kenya | $35K | 4.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa activated mineral imports (HS 3802.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 3802.90: Chemical products: activated natural mineral products, animal black, including spent animal black.
Common questions
What is the value of activated mineral imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported activated mineral worth $6.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 187 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply activated mineral to South Africa?
Spain was the largest supplier with 16% of the value ($1.0 million), followed by the United States (13%) and Germany (13%). The top three together account for 43%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 313% on the year.
What is the average import price of activated mineral per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.80 per kg in 2024, 122% above the world average of $0.36 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of activated mineral to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.4 million in 2017 to $6.4 million in 2024, an increase of 46%. The peak was 2018 at $8.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export activated mineral?
Yes. South Africa exported $831 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for activated mineral?
The HS code for activated mineral is subheading 3802.90. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3802 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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