Alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) worth $14.0 million (23.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 182 countries. Value rose 8% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average.
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 | $14.0M | 23.3K t |
| 2023 | $13.0M | 20.5K t |
| 2022 | $9.5M | 16.8K t |
| 2021 | $6.1M | 11.4K t |
| 2020 | $7.0M | 12.9K t |
| 2019 | $5.6M | 10.0K t |
| 2018 | $5.8M | 10.2K t |
| 2017 | $6.4M | 14.7K t |
Where South Africa imports alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 91% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $12.8M | 91% |
| Netherlands | $611K | 4.4% |
| India | $286K | 2% |
| United States | $108K | 0.8% |
| Vietnam | $56K | 0.4% |
| Italy | $52K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $34K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $25K | 0.2% |
| Belgium | $14K | 0.1% |
| Czech Republic | $9K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.60 per kg, 43% below the world average of $1.05, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) exports from South Africa
Exports of alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) by South Africa reached $867 thousand in 2024 (602 tonnes). Most of it went to South Korea (38%), Zimbabwe (18%), Taiwan (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+299% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $333K | 38% |
| Zimbabwe | $159K | 18% |
| Taiwan | $123K | 14% |
| Thailand | $99K | 11% |
| China | $75K | 8.6% |
| Zambia | $20K | 2.3% |
| Namibia | $14K | 1.6% |
| Botswana | $11K | 1.3% |
| Malawi | $9K | 1% |
| Angola | $7K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) imports (HS 2839.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 2839.90: Silicates: commercial alkali metal silicates, other than of sodium.
Common questions
What is the value of alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) worth $14.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 23.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 182 countries worldwide, with 5% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 91% of the value ($12.8 million), followed by the Netherlands (4%) and India (2%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 87% on the year.
What is the average import price of alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.60 per kg in 2024, 43% below the world average of $1.05 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.4 million in 2017 to $14.0 million in 2024, an increase of 119%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $8.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export alkali metal silicates (non-sodium)?
Yes. South Africa exported $867 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to South Korea, Zimbabwe and Taiwan. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $13.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for alkali metal silicates (non-sodium)?
The HS code for alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) is subheading 2839.90. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2839 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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