Cobalt products exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $30.8 million of cobalt products in 2024 (2.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 52% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $118.4 million.
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 | $30.8M | 2.9K t |
| 2023 | $64.0M | 6.7K t |
| 2022 | $118.4M | 6.9K t |
| 2021 | $32.1M | 1.7K t |
| 2020 | $13.9M | 1.0K t |
| 2019 | $24.9M | 2.0K t |
| 2018 | $79.7M | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $41.2M | 2.8K t |
Where South Africa exports cobalt products to
Most of it went to Malaysia (46%), Belgium (26%), United States (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Belgium grew fastest (+276% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $14.0M | 46% |
| Belgium | $7.9M | 26% |
| United States | $3.3M | 11% |
| Netherlands | $1.1M | 3.6% |
| Ireland | $1.1M | 3.5% |
| Japan | $1.0M | 3.3% |
| Germany | $521K | 1.7% |
| South Korea | $385K | 1.3% |
| India | $295K | 1% |
| France | $271K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 8105
| 8105.20 | Cobalt: mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, unwrought cobalt, powders | 100% |
| 8105.90 | Cobalt: articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8105 | 0.2% |
| 8105.30 | Cobalt: waste and scrap | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8105.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.45 per kg, 37% above the world average of $7.64. 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.
Cobalt products imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported cobalt products worth $589 thousand (14 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Canada (35%), Germany (16%), China (14%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+40% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $209K | 35% |
| Germany | $97K | 17% |
| China | $83K | 14% |
| United States | $74K | 13% |
| France | $42K | 7.2% |
| United Kingdom | $36K | 6.2% |
| Israel | $32K | 5.4% |
| Switzerland | $5K | 0.8% |
| Brazil | $4K | 0.7% |
| Slovenia | $3K | 0.5% |
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 8105: Cobalt; mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, cobalt and articles thereof, including waste and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of cobalt products exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported cobalt products worth $30.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 90 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 52% on 2023.
Which countries buy cobalt products from South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest buyer with 46% of the value ($14.0 million), followed by Belgium (26%) and the United States (11%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 29 buyer countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 276% on the year.
What is the average export price of cobalt products per kg?
The average declared export value was about $10.45 per kg in 2024, 37% above the world average of $7.64 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 cobalt products from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $41.2 million in 2017 to $30.8 million in 2024, a fall of 25%. The peak was 2022 at $118.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import cobalt products?
Yes. South Africa imported $589 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Canada, Germany and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $30.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for cobalt products?
The HS code for cobalt products is heading 8105. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8105.20 (100% of the value) and 8105.90 (0%). It sits in HS chapter 81 (metals; n.e.c., cermets and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8105 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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