Alumina-silica refractory ceramics imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of alumina-silica refractory ceramics by South Africa reached $7.8 million in 2024 (2.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 11% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $7.8M | 2.4K t |
| 2023 | $7.0M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $8.1M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $7.2M | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $5.7M | 864 t |
| 2019 | $8.0M | 2.0K t |
| 2018 | $7.1M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $6.3M | 931 t |
Where South Africa imports alumina-silica refractory ceramics from
The largest suppliers were India (27%), United States (17%), China (15%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.1M | 27% |
| United States | $1.3M | 17% |
| China | $1.2M | 15% |
| Poland | $999K | 13% |
| Germany | $990K | 13% |
| Japan | $305K | 3.9% |
| Czech Republic | $218K | 2.8% |
| France | $142K | 1.8% |
| Hungary | $105K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $99K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.22 per kg, 38% below the world average of $5.18, 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.
Alumina-silica refractory ceramics exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.2 million of alumina-silica refractory ceramics in 2024 (195 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: United States accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+107% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.3M | 60% |
| Japan | $317K | 14% |
| Saudi Arabia | $98K | 4.4% |
| China | $95K | 4.3% |
| Namibia | $75K | 3.4% |
| India | $42K | 1.9% |
| Senegal | $36K | 1.6% |
| Brazil | $34K | 1.5% |
| Mozambique | $33K | 1.5% |
| Madagascar | $22K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa alumina-silica refractory ceramics imports (HS 6903.20): 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 6903.20: Refractory ceramic goods: containing by weight more than 50% of alumina or of a mixture or compound of alumina and of silica, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths.
Common questions
What is the value of alumina-silica refractory ceramics imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported alumina-silica refractory ceramics worth $7.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 177 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply alumina-silica refractory ceramics to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by the United States (17%) and China (15%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. Hungary grew fastest among the top ten, up 229% on the year.
What is the average import price of alumina-silica refractory ceramics per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.22 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $5.18 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of alumina-silica refractory ceramics to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.3 million in 2017 to $7.8 million in 2024, an increase of 24%. The peak was 2022 at $8.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export alumina-silica refractory ceramics?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Japan and Saudi Arabia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for alumina-silica refractory ceramics?
The HS code for alumina-silica refractory ceramics is subheading 6903.20. It sits in HS chapter 69 (ceramic products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6903 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.
Same product, other countries
World alumina-silica refractory ceramics trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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