Alumina-silica refractory bricks imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of alumina-silica refractory bricks by South Africa reached $25.3 million in 2024 (19.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 31% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $36.6 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 | $25.3M | 19.9K t |
| 2023 | $36.6M | 21.3K t |
| 2022 | $26.4M | 21.0K t |
| 2021 | $25.9M | 19.6K t |
| 2020 | $16.7M | 14.7K t |
| 2019 | $23.3M | 58.7K t |
| 2018 | $28.5M | 25.1K t |
| 2017 | $17.2M | 16.8K t |
Where South Africa imports alumina-silica refractory bricks from
Most of the value came from Germany (27%), China (24%), Netherlands (16%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+389% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $6.8M | 27% |
| China | $6.1M | 24% |
| Netherlands | $4.1M | 16% |
| India | $2.1M | 8.2% |
| France | $1.4M | 5.5% |
| Spain | $1.3M | 5% |
| Italy | $1.0M | 4.1% |
| United Kingdom | $823K | 3.3% |
| Czech Republic | $646K | 2.6% |
| Poland | $348K | 1.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.27 per kg, close to the world average of $1.29.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Alumina-silica refractory bricks exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported alumina-silica refractory bricks worth $6.1 million (3.2 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to United States (36%), Zimbabwe (13%), Turkey (12%). Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+206% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.2M | 36% |
| Zimbabwe | $794K | 13% |
| Turkey | $754K | 13% |
| Indonesia | $504K | 8.3% |
| United Kingdom | $307K | 5.1% |
| Zambia | $279K | 4.6% |
| Sweden | $272K | 4.5% |
| Kuwait | $133K | 2.2% |
| Norway | $129K | 2.1% |
| France | $115K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa alumina-silica refractory bricks imports (HS 6902.20): 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 6902.20: Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods: containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these.
Common questions
What is the value of alumina-silica refractory bricks imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported alumina-silica refractory bricks worth $25.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 19.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 183 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 31% on 2023.
Which countries supply alumina-silica refractory bricks to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($6.8 million), followed by China (24%) and the Netherlands (16%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 389% on the year.
What is the average import price of alumina-silica refractory bricks per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.27 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.29 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of alumina-silica refractory bricks to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.2 million in 2017 to $25.3 million in 2024, an increase of 47%. The peak was 2023 at $36.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $25.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export alumina-silica refractory bricks?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Zimbabwe and Turkey. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $19.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for alumina-silica refractory bricks?
The HS code for alumina-silica refractory bricks is subheading 6902.20. It sits in HS chapter 69 (ceramic products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6902 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 alumina-silica refractory bricks trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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