Carbide exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $69.2 million of carbide in 2024 (17.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 97 countries. Value fell 37% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $217.7 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 | $69.2M | 17.1K t |
| 2023 | $110.2M | 24.2K t |
| 2022 | $138.5M | 18.1K t |
| 2021 | $96.1M | 15.3K t |
| 2020 | $77.8M | 13.5K t |
| 2019 | $177.3M | 28.2K t |
| 2018 | $217.7M | 43.6K t |
| 2017 | $99.7M | 54.8K t |
Where South Africa exports carbide to
United States alone took 55% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $38.0M | 55% |
| Netherlands | $11.0M | 16% |
| Germany | $5.8M | 8.4% |
| Australia | $3.8M | 5.5% |
| United Kingdom | $2.8M | 4.1% |
| Brazil | $2.3M | 3.4% |
| Canada | $1.7M | 2.5% |
| Poland | $1.1M | 1.5% |
| Slovakia | $715K | 1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $416K | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 2849
| 2849.90 | Carbides: whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon | 79% |
| 2849.20 | Carbides: of silicon, whether or not chemically defined | 21% |
| 2849.10 | Carbides: of calcium, whether or not chemically defined | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2849.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.05 per kg, 90% above the world average of $2.13. 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.
Carbide imports to South Africa
Imports of carbide by South Africa reached $9.7 million in 2024 (6.3 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Spain (33%), Slovakia (32%), China (16%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+60% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $3.2M | 33% |
| Slovakia | $3.1M | 32% |
| China | $1.6M | 16% |
| Brazil | $1.2M | 12% |
| Austria | $300K | 3.1% |
| Germany | $108K | 1.1% |
| Luxembourg | $84K | 0.9% |
| Canada | $50K | 0.5% |
| Norway | $31K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $16K | 0.2% |
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 2849: Carbides, whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of carbide exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported carbide worth $69.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 17.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 97 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 37% on 2023.
Which countries buy carbide from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 55% of the value ($38.0 million), followed by the Netherlands (16%) and Germany (8%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 33 buyer countries in total. Slovakia grew fastest among the top ten, up 41% on the year.
What is the average export price of carbide per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.05 per kg in 2024, 90% above the world average of $2.13 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 carbide from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $99.7 million in 2017 to $69.2 million in 2024, a fall of 31%. The peak was 2018 at $217.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import carbide?
Yes. South Africa imported $9.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Spain, Slovakia and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $59.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for carbide?
The HS code for carbide is heading 2849. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2849.90 (79% of the value) and 2849.20 (21%). It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2849 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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