Chromium ore exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of chromium ore by South Africa reached $5.20 billion in 2024 (24.82 million tonnes). It ranks 1st of 67 countries for exports of this product. Value rose 25% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 20% 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 | $5.20B | 24.82M t |
| 2023 | $4.15B | 20.98M t |
| 2022 | $1.52B | 11.06M t |
| 2021 | $1.26B | 11.01M t |
| 2020 | $1.62B | 14.90M t |
| 2019 | $2.01B | 16.82M t |
| 2018 | $1.91B | 14.36M t |
| 2017 | $1.49B | 9.48M t |
Where South Africa exports chromium ore to
Most of it went to China (43%), Mozambique (36%), Indonesia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Indonesia grew fastest (+182% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.25B | 43% |
| Mozambique | $1.89B | 36% |
| Indonesia | $582.3M | 11% |
| Hong Kong | $87.0M | 1.7% |
| India | $74.5M | 1.4% |
| Singapore | $65.9M | 1.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $59.2M | 1.1% |
| Turkey | $46.1M | 0.9% |
| Netherlands | $38.6M | 0.7% |
| United States | $17.8M | 0.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.21 per kg, close to the world average of $0.23.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Chromium ore imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported chromium ore worth $54.0 million (111.2 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 109 countries. One supplier dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 100% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Zimbabwe grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $53.9M | 100% |
| Turkey | $41K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $25K | 0.1% |
| Oman | $25K | 0.1% |
| China | $9K | 0% |
| Madagascar | $0K | 0% |
| Kazakhstan | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| Ethiopia | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
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 2610: Chromium ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of chromium ore exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported chromium ore worth $5.20 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 24.82 million tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 67 countries worldwide, with 76% of world exports. The value was up 25% on 2023.
Which countries buy chromium ore from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 43% of the value ($2.25 billion), followed by Mozambique (36%) and Indonesia (11%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 78 buyer countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 182% on the year.
What is the average export price of chromium ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.21 per kg in 2024, 9% below the world average of $0.23 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 chromium ore from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.49 billion in 2017 to $5.20 billion in 2024, an increase of 248%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import chromium ore?
Yes. South Africa imported $54.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, Turkey and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.14 billion a year.
What is the HS code for chromium ore?
The HS code for chromium ore is heading 2610. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2610.00. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2610 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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