Bauxite imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $4.2 million of bauxite in 2024 (8.7 thousand tonnes). That is 27% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $7.7 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 | $4.2M | 8.7K t |
| 2023 | $5.8M | 12.0K t |
| 2022 | $5.8M | 62.9K t |
| 2021 | $7.7M | 48.6K t |
| 2020 | $2.1M | 6.8K t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 5.1K t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 6.9K t |
| 2017 | $1.7M | 4.9K t |
Where South Africa imports bauxite from
China alone supplied 92% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.8M | 92% |
| Brazil | $274K | 6.6% |
| Spain | $63K | 1.5% |
| Netherlands | $10K | 0.2% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.48 per kg, 700% above the world average of $0.06. 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.
Bauxite exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported bauxite worth $1.9 million (3.4 thousand tonnes). Poland alone took 82% of it. Among the main buyer markets, United Kingdom grew fastest (+908% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | $1.6M | 82% |
| Angola | $181K | 9.3% |
| United Kingdom | $82K | 4.2% |
| South Korea | $57K | 2.9% |
| Malaysia | $14K | 0.7% |
| Kenya | $13K | 0.7% |
| Botswana | $1K | 0.1% |
| China | $0K | 0% |
| Australia | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
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 2606: Aluminium ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of bauxite imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported bauxite worth $4.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 111 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply bauxite to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 92% of the value ($3.8 million), followed by Brazil (7%) and Spain (2%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 6 supplier countries in total. Cote d'Ivoire grew fastest among the top ten, up 200% on the year.
What is the average import price of bauxite per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.48 per kg in 2024, 700% above the world average of $0.06 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 imports of bauxite to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.7 million in 2017 to $4.2 million in 2024, an increase of 148%. The peak was 2021 at $7.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export bauxite?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Poland, Angola and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for bauxite?
The HS code for bauxite is heading 2606. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2606.00. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2606 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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