Cobalt oxide imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported cobalt oxide worth $79.4 million (9.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 4th of 110 countries for imports of this product. That is 57% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 77% a year on average.
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 | $79.4M | 9.3K t |
| 2023 | $50.6M | 5.1K t |
| 2022 | $50K | 35 t |
| 2021 | $393K | 54 t |
| 2020 | $270K | 15 t |
| 2019 | $3.2M | 172 t |
| 2018 | $3.7M | 72 t |
| 2017 | $1.5M | 267 t |
Where South Africa imports cobalt oxide from
One supplier dominates: Zambia accounted for 99% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Zambia grew fastest (+68% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $79.0M | 100% |
| DR Congo | $236K | 0.3% |
| China | $111K | 0.1% |
| Portugal | $42K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $5K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $4K | 0% |
| Germany | $3K | 0% |
| India | $2K | 0% |
| United States | $1K | 0% |
| Spain | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.53 per kg, 22% below the world average of $10.96, 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.
Cobalt oxide exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cobalt oxide worth $1.7 million (3.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to China (44%), Brazil (36%), Nigeria (15%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $763K | 44% |
| Brazil | $633K | 36% |
| Nigeria | $257K | 15% |
| Australia | $39K | 2.3% |
| DR Congo | $21K | 1.2% |
| Vietnam | $9K | 0.5% |
| Botswana | $5K | 0.3% |
| Spain | $4K | 0.2% |
| Eritrea | $4K | 0.2% |
| Tanzania | $3K | 0.2% |
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 2822: Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides.
Common questions
What is the value of cobalt oxide imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cobalt oxide worth $79.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 110 countries worldwide, with 10% of world imports. The value was up 57% on 2023.
Which countries supply cobalt oxide to South Africa?
Zambia was the largest supplier with 99% of the value ($79.0 million), followed by the DR Congo (0%) and China (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 11 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 222% on the year.
What is the average import price of cobalt oxide per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.53 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $10.96 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 cobalt oxide to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.5 million in 2017 to $79.4 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export cobalt oxide?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to China, Brazil and Nigeria. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $77.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for cobalt oxide?
The HS code for cobalt oxide is heading 2822. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2822.00. 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 2822 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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