Carbonates (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of carbonates (other) by South Africa reached $18.0 million in 2024 (6.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 19% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $52.8 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 | $18.0M | 6.0K t |
| 2023 | $15.2M | 5.6K t |
| 2022 | $52.8M | 11.7K t |
| 2021 | $35.2M | 15.5K t |
| 2020 | $19.7M | 8.5K t |
| 2019 | $26.7M | 9.0K t |
| 2018 | $41.8M | 9.9K t |
| 2017 | $51.3M | 12.9K t |
Where South Africa imports carbonates (other) from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 76% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $13.7M | 76% |
| Germany | $3.9M | 21% |
| India | $167K | 0.9% |
| Kenya | $102K | 0.6% |
| Italy | $66K | 0.4% |
| Norway | $35K | 0.2% |
| Brazil | $33K | 0.2% |
| Japan | $28K | 0.2% |
| Indonesia | $25K | 0.1% |
| Bosnia Herzegovina | $14K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.01 per kg, 162% above the world average of $1.15. 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.
Carbonates (other) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $809 thousand of carbonates (other) in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (28%), Zimbabwe (16%), Ecuador (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $223K | 28% |
| Zimbabwe | $132K | 16% |
| Ecuador | $100K | 12% |
| DR Congo | $71K | 8.7% |
| Malawi | $50K | 6.2% |
| Eswatini | $47K | 5.8% |
| Israel | $47K | 5.8% |
| Angola | $41K | 5% |
| Mozambique | $33K | 4.1% |
| Namibia | $30K | 3.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa carbonates (other) imports (HS 2836.99): 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 2836.99: Carbonates: n.e.c. in heading no. 2836 and other than lithium or strontium.
Common questions
What is the value of carbonates (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported carbonates (other) worth $18.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 190 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply carbonates (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 76% of the value ($13.7 million), followed by Germany (21%) and India (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 30% on the year.
What is the average import price of carbonates (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.01 per kg in 2024, 162% above the world average of $1.15 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of carbonates (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $51.3 million in 2017 to $18.0 million in 2024, a fall of 65%. The peak was 2022 at $52.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $32.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export carbonates (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $809 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Ecuador. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for carbonates (other)?
The HS code for carbonates (other) is subheading 2836.99. 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 2836 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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