Depleted uranium and thorium exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $65.7 million of depleted uranium and thorium in 2024 (322 tonnes). It ranks 1st of 57 countries for exports of this product. That is 28% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 311% 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 | $65.7M | 322 t |
| 2023 | $51.4M | 335 t |
| 2022 | $42.3M | 178 t |
| 2021 | $100K | 1 t |
| 2020 | $163K | 1 t |
| 2019 | $188K | 1 t |
| 2018 | $206K | 3 t |
| 2017 | $3K | 4 t |
Where South Africa exports depleted uranium and thorium to
Most of it went to United States (33%), Canada (9%), China (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Singapore grew fastest (+169% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $22.0M | 34% |
| Canada | $5.7M | 8.7% |
| China | $4.4M | 6.7% |
| Brazil | $4.4M | 6.6% |
| France | $4.1M | 6.2% |
| Turkey | $3.6M | 5.5% |
| Poland | $3.5M | 5.3% |
| South Korea | $3.3M | 5% |
| Singapore | $2.1M | 3.2% |
| Australia | $1.7M | 2.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $204.14 per kg, 452% above the world average of $36.99. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa depleted uranium and thorium exports (HS 2844.30): 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 2844.30: Uranium: depleted in U235, thorium, their compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium depleted in U235, thorium: compounds of these products.
Common questions
What is the value of depleted uranium and thorium exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported depleted uranium and thorium worth $65.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 322 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 57 countries worldwide, with 69% of world exports. The value was up 28% on 2023.
Which countries buy depleted uranium and thorium from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 33% of the value ($22.0 million), followed by Canada (9%) and China (7%). The top three together account for 49%, out of 65 buyer countries in total. Singapore grew fastest among the top ten, up 169% on the year.
What is the average export price of depleted uranium and thorium per kg?
The average declared export value was about $204.14 per kg in 2024, 452% above the world average of $36.99 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of depleted uranium and thorium from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3 thousand in 2017 to $65.7 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $20.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for depleted uranium and thorium?
The HS code for depleted uranium and thorium is subheading 2844.30. 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 2844 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.
Same product, other countries
World depleted uranium and thorium trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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