Bentonite imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of bentonite by South Africa reached $12.0 million in 2024 (81.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 14% from 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 | $12.0M | 81.3K t |
| 2023 | $13.9M | 141.1K t |
| 2022 | $10.4M | 136.7K t |
| 2021 | $8.2M | 106.5K t |
| 2020 | $5.8M | 51.5K t |
| 2019 | $6.1M | 72.9K t |
| 2018 | $8.3M | 103.2K t |
| 2017 | $7.7M | 87.6K t |
Where South Africa imports bentonite from
Most of the value came from India (37%), Brazil (25%), Egypt (10%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+48% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $4.4M | 37% |
| Brazil | $2.9M | 25% |
| Egypt | $1.2M | 10% |
| United States | $934K | 7.8% |
| Mozambique | $820K | 6.8% |
| United Kingdom | $651K | 5.4% |
| Turkey | $149K | 1.2% |
| China | $139K | 1.2% |
| Poland | $129K | 1.1% |
| Austria | $119K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.15 per kg, 21% below the world average of $0.19, 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.
Bentonite exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported bentonite worth $2.8 million (5.0 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (23%), DR Congo (15%), United States (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+317% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $651K | 23% |
| DR Congo | $419K | 15% |
| United States | $323K | 12% |
| Ghana | $191K | 6.9% |
| Kenya | $128K | 4.6% |
| Mozambique | $122K | 4.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $111K | 4% |
| Nigeria | $106K | 3.8% |
| Namibia | $80K | 2.9% |
| France | $54K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa bentonite imports (HS 2508.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 2508.10: Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806): bentonite, whether or not calcined.
Common questions
What is the value of bentonite imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported bentonite worth $12.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 81.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 200 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply bentonite to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($4.4 million), followed by Brazil (25%) and Egypt (10%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 125% on the year.
What is the average import price of bentonite per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.15 per kg in 2024, 21% below the world average of $0.19 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of bentonite to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.7 million in 2017 to $12.0 million in 2024, an increase of 55%. The peak was 2023 at $13.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export bentonite?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, the DR Congo and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $9.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for bentonite?
The HS code for bentonite is subheading 2508.10. It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2508 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.
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