Diamonds exports from South Africa: data and top buyer countries
Exports of diamonds by South Africa reached $3.76 billion in 2024 (7 tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 120 countries. That is 26% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $7.40 billion.
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 | $3.76B | 7 t |
| 2023 | $5.08B | 4 t |
| 2022 | $6.79B | 4 t |
| 2021 | $7.40B | 10 t |
| 2020 | $5.04B | 12 t |
| 2019 | $3.04B | 6 t |
| 2018 | $3.58B | 7 t |
| 2017 | $2.85B | 5 t |
Where South Africa exports diamonds to
The largest buyer markets were China (39%), United Arab Emirates (30%), United States (8%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.48B | 39% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.12B | 30% |
| United States | $289.1M | 7.7% |
| Botswana | $205.7M | 5.5% |
| India | $151.6M | 4% |
| Belgium | $146.6M | 3.9% |
| Hong Kong | $94.3M | 2.5% |
| France | $61.0M | 1.6% |
| Switzerland | $50.9M | 1.4% |
| Israel | $38.5M | 1% |
Product types under HS 7102
| 7102.39 | Diamonds: non-industrial, (other than unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted), but not mounted or set | 71% |
| 7102.31 | Diamonds: non-industrial, unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted, but not mounted or set | 24% |
| 7102.10 | Diamonds: whether or not worked, but not mounted or set, unsorted | 4% |
| 7102.21 | Diamonds: industrial, unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted, but not mounted or set | 0.2% |
| 7102.29 | Diamonds: industrial, (other than unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted), but not mounted or set | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7102.
Diamonds imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $195.3 million of diamonds in 2024 (0 tonnes). Most of the value came from Botswana (41%), Namibia (25%), India (9%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+58% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $80.0M | 41% |
| Namibia | $49.5M | 25% |
| India | $16.6M | 8.5% |
| United Kingdom | $10.3M | 5.3% |
| Belgium | $9.8M | 5% |
| Israel | $7.8M | 4% |
| United States | $6.6M | 3.4% |
| Angola | $6.0M | 3.1% |
| Switzerland | $3.1M | 1.6% |
| Hong Kong | $2.2M | 1.1% |
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 7102: Diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set.
Common questions
What is the value of diamonds exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported diamonds worth $3.76 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7 tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 120 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was down 26% on 2023.
Which countries buy diamonds from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 39% of the value ($1.48 billion), followed by the United Arab Emirates (30%) and the United States (8%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 42 buyer countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 45% on the year.
How have exports of diamonds from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.85 billion in 2017 to $3.76 billion in 2024, an increase of 32%. The peak was 2021 at $7.40 billion. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import diamonds?
Yes. South Africa imported $195.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Botswana, Namibia and India. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.57 billion a year.
What is the HS code for diamonds?
The HS code for diamonds is heading 7102. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7102.39 (71% of the value) and 7102.31 (24%). 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 7102 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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