Cement clinker exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of cement clinker by South Africa reached $23.7 million in 2024 (249.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 24% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average.
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 | $23.7M | 249.9K t |
| 2023 | $19.2M | 196.7K t |
| 2022 | $18.4M | 220.3K t |
| 2021 | $20.4M | 237.7K t |
| 2020 | $9.1M | 149.2K t |
| 2019 | $18.1M | 203.5K t |
| 2018 | $12.9M | 188.8K t |
| 2017 | $10.5M | 112.1K t |
Where South Africa exports cement clinker to
Most of it went to Zimbabwe (44%), Lesotho (33%), France (12%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $10.3M | 44% |
| Lesotho | $7.8M | 33% |
| France | $2.7M | 12% |
| Eswatini | $2.4M | 9.9% |
| Tanzania | $130K | 0.6% |
| Netherlands | $97K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $92K | 0.4% |
| Belgium | $30K | 0.1% |
| Australia | $23K | 0.1% |
| Saint Helena | $8K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.09 per kg, 80% above the world average of $0.05. 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.
Cement clinker imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $15.1 million of cement clinker in 2024 (494.1 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: United Arab Emirates accounted for 78% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+75% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $11.7M | 78% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1.6M | 11% |
| Pakistan | $1.5M | 10% |
| France | $136K | 0.9% |
| China | $58K | 0.4% |
| Ghana | $0K | 0% |
| Turkey | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Vietnam | $0K | 0% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cement clinker exports (HS 2523.10): 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 2523.10: Cement clinkers (whether or not coloured).
Common questions
What is the value of cement clinker exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported cement clinker worth $23.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 249.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 117 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 24% on 2023.
Which countries buy cement clinker from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 44% of the value ($10.3 million), followed by Lesotho (33%) and France (12%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 73% on the year.
What is the average export price of cement clinker per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.09 per kg in 2024, 80% above the world average of $0.05 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of cement clinker from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.5 million in 2017 to $23.7 million in 2024, an increase of 125%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $16.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import cement clinker?
Yes. South Africa imported $15.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $8.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for cement clinker?
The HS code for cement clinker is subheading 2523.10. 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 2523 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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