Artificial graphite exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $16.7 million of artificial graphite in 2024 (15.2 thousand tonnes). Value fell 15% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $30.9 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 | $16.7M | 15.2K t |
| 2023 | $19.7M | 15.7K t |
| 2022 | $30.9M | 25.2K t |
| 2021 | $20.0M | 22.8K t |
| 2020 | $16.2M | 16.3K t |
| 2019 | $16.1M | 20.0K t |
| 2018 | $21.6M | 28.1K t |
| 2017 | $14.8M | 21.8K t |
Where South Africa exports artificial graphite to
The largest buyer markets were Australia (24%), Malaysia (24%), Zambia (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Egypt grew fastest (+575% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $4.0M | 24% |
| Malaysia | $4.0M | 24% |
| Zambia | $2.2M | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.6M | 9.9% |
| Turkey | $1.3M | 7.5% |
| India | $924K | 5.5% |
| Georgia | $635K | 3.8% |
| Egypt | $417K | 2.5% |
| South Korea | $323K | 1.9% |
| United States | $278K | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 3801
| 3801.30 | Carbonaceous pastes: for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings | 78% |
| 3801.10 | Graphite: artificial | 20% |
| 3801.90 | Graphite or other carbon based preparations: in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures | 2.4% |
| 3801.20 | Graphite: colloidal or semi-colloidal | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3801.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.10 per kg, 50% below the world average of $2.20, 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.
Artificial graphite imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported artificial graphite worth $11.4 million (3.0 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (33%), France (20%), United States (20%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.8M | 33% |
| France | $2.3M | 20% |
| United States | $2.2M | 20% |
| Poland | $1.6M | 14% |
| Slovakia | $391K | 3.4% |
| Hungary | $344K | 3% |
| Germany | $194K | 1.7% |
| United Kingdom | $182K | 1.6% |
| Netherlands | $115K | 1% |
| Japan | $101K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 3801: Artificial graphite; colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite; preparations based on graphite or other carbon in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures.
Common questions
What is the value of artificial graphite exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported artificial graphite worth $16.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 114 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 15% on 2023.
Which countries buy artificial graphite from South Africa?
Australia was the largest buyer with 24% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by Malaysia (24%) and Zambia (13%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 42 buyer countries in total. Egypt grew fastest among the top ten, up 575% on the year.
What is the average export price of artificial graphite per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.10 per kg in 2024, 50% below the world average of $2.20 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of artificial graphite from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $14.8 million in 2017 to $16.7 million in 2024, an increase of 13%. The peak was 2022 at $30.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import artificial graphite?
Yes. South Africa imported $11.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, France and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for artificial graphite?
The HS code for artificial graphite is heading 3801. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3801.30 (78% of the value) and 3801.10 (20%). It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3801 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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