Cement and concrete imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported cement and concrete worth $34.9 million (73.4 thousand tonnes). Value rose 9% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $50.7 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 | $34.9M | 73.4K t |
| 2023 | $31.9M | 67.9K t |
| 2022 | $31.3M | 58.4K t |
| 2021 | $50.7M | 67.1K t |
| 2020 | $36.2M | 53.7K t |
| 2019 | $28.6M | 56.5K t |
| 2018 | $29.0M | 57.7K t |
| 2017 | $26.0M | 56.8K t |
Where South Africa imports cement and concrete from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 66% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+60% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $23.0M | 66% |
| Israel | $2.0M | 5.7% |
| Botswana | $1.9M | 5.4% |
| Italy | $1.5M | 4.2% |
| India | $916K | 2.6% |
| Poland | $902K | 2.6% |
| United Kingdom | $760K | 2.2% |
| South Korea | $628K | 1.8% |
| Slovakia | $530K | 1.5% |
| United States | $490K | 1.4% |
Product types under HS 6810
| 6810.99 | Cement, concrete or artificial stone: articles (other than prefabricated structural components for building or civil engineering), whether or not… | 74% |
| 6810.19 | Cement, concrete or artificial stone: tiles, flagstones and similar, (excluding building blocks and bricks) whether or not reinforced | 14% |
| 6810.91 | Cement, concrete or artificial stone: prefabricated structural components for building or civil engineering, whether or not reinforced | 8% |
| 6810.11 | Cement, concrete or artificial stone: building blocks or bricks, whether or not reinforced | 3.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6810.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.47 per kg, close to the world average of $0.43.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cement and concrete exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cement and concrete worth $16.4 million (94.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Lesotho (26%), Botswana (21%), United Kingdom (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+84% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $4.3M | 26% |
| Botswana | $3.4M | 21% |
| United Kingdom | $1.3M | 8.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 8.1% |
| Namibia | $919K | 5.6% |
| Eswatini | $911K | 5.6% |
| Mozambique | $809K | 4.9% |
| United States | $625K | 3.8% |
| Zambia | $503K | 3.1% |
| Nigeria | $388K | 2.4% |
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
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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 6810: Cement, concrete or artificial stone; whether or not reinforced, articles thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of cement and concrete imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cement and concrete worth $34.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 73.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 47th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply cement and concrete to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 66% of the value ($23.0 million), followed by Israel (6%) and Botswana (5%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 57 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 96% on the year.
What is the average import price of cement and concrete per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.47 per kg in 2024, 9% above the world average of $0.43 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 cement and concrete to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $26.0 million in 2017 to $34.9 million in 2024, an increase of 34%. The peak was 2021 at $50.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export cement and concrete?
Yes. South Africa exported $16.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Botswana and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $18.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for cement and concrete?
The HS code for cement and concrete is heading 6810. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6810.99 (74% of the value) and 6810.19 (14%). It sits in HS chapter 68 (stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6810 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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