Cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $12.0 million of cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds in 2024 (7 tonnes). That is 21% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $29.0 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 | $12.0M | 7 t |
| 2023 | $9.9M | 0 t |
| 2022 | $12.1M | 0 t |
| 2021 | $22.4M | 5 t |
| 2020 | $18.8M | 0 t |
| 2019 | $7.9M | 0 t |
| 2018 | $29.0M | 0 t |
| 2017 | $10.8M | - |
Where South Africa exports cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds to
Most of it went to China (49%), Thailand (26%), United States (6%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+139% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.9M | 49% |
| Thailand | $3.2M | 26% |
| United States | $714K | 5.9% |
| Switzerland | $674K | 5.6% |
| Italy | $451K | 3.7% |
| India | $421K | 3.5% |
| France | $262K | 2.2% |
| Turkey | $147K | 1.2% |
| Tanzania | $107K | 0.9% |
| United Kingdom | $81K | 0.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1,672.82 per kg, 98% below the world average of $88,288.93, 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.
Cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $2.3 million of cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds in 2024 (0 tonnes). United States alone supplied 59% of it. Among the main suppliers, Zambia grew fastest (+182% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.4M | 59% |
| Thailand | $286K | 12% |
| Hong Kong | $165K | 7.1% |
| Zambia | $163K | 7% |
| India | $113K | 4.8% |
| Tanzania | $86K | 3.7% |
| China | $53K | 2.3% |
| Israel | $52K | 2.2% |
| Mauritius | $20K | 0.9% |
| Sri Lanka | $11K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds exports (HS 7103.91): 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 7103.91: Stones: rubies, sapphires and emeralds, worked (other than simply sawn or roughly shaped), not strung, mounted or set.
Common questions
What is the value of cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds worth $12.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7 tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 109 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 21% on 2023.
Which countries buy cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 49% of the value ($5.9 million), followed by Thailand (26%) and the United States (6%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 25 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 139% on the year.
What is the average export price of cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1,672.82 per kg in 2024, 98% below the world average of $88,288.93 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.8 million in 2017 to $12.0 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2018 at $29.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, Thailand and Hong Kong. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $9.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds?
The HS code for cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds is subheading 7103.91. It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7103 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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