Carbide tool inserts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported carbide tool inserts worth $31.4 million (266 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $47.7 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 | $31.4M | 266 t |
| 2023 | $30.9M | 371 t |
| 2022 | $36.1M | 238 t |
| 2021 | $28.4M | 295 t |
| 2020 | $24.3M | 323 t |
| 2019 | $44.5M | 384 t |
| 2018 | $47.3M | 315 t |
| 2017 | $47.7M | 350 t |
Where South Africa imports carbide tool inserts from
Most of the value came from China (30%), Israel (20%), Germany (15%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.4M | 30% |
| Israel | $6.3M | 20% |
| Germany | $4.6M | 15% |
| South Korea | $3.5M | 11% |
| Sweden | $2.0M | 6.5% |
| Japan | $1.9M | 6% |
| United States | $1.2M | 3.7% |
| India | $993K | 3.2% |
| Switzerland | $313K | 1% |
| Czech Republic | $187K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $117.93 per kg, 30% below the world average of $169.63, 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.
Carbide tool inserts exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.9 million of carbide tool inserts in 2024 (51 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Germany (23%), Australia (10%), Saudi Arabia (6%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 38%. Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+801% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $424K | 23% |
| Australia | $179K | 9.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $111K | 6% |
| Israel | $110K | 6% |
| Singapore | $93K | 5% |
| Namibia | $90K | 4.9% |
| Russia | $70K | 3.8% |
| Switzerland | $68K | 3.7% |
| Zambia | $67K | 3.6% |
| Spain | $63K | 3.4% |
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 8209: Tools; plates, sticks, tips and the like for tools, unmounted, of sintered metal carbides or cermets.
Common questions
What is the value of carbide tool inserts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported carbide tool inserts worth $31.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 266 tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 187 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply carbide tool inserts to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($9.4 million), followed by Israel (20%) and Germany (15%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 46 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 18% on the year.
What is the average import price of carbide tool inserts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $117.93 per kg in 2024, 30% below the world average of $169.63 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 carbide tool inserts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $47.7 million in 2017 to $31.4 million in 2024, a fall of 34%. The peak was 2017 at $47.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export carbide tool inserts?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Australia and Saudi Arabia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $29.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for carbide tool inserts?
The HS code for carbide tool inserts is heading 8209. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 8209.00. It sits in HS chapter 82 (tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8209 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.
Same product, other countries
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.