Diatomite bricks exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported diatomite bricks worth $6.5 million (71.2 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 10th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 126 countries. Value fell 25% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $8.6 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 | $6.5M | 71.2K t |
| 2023 | $8.6M | 26.7K t |
| 2022 | $6.9M | 14.1K t |
| 2021 | $5.3M | 12.3K t |
| 2020 | $4.0M | 15.7K t |
| 2019 | $3.4M | 7.5K t |
| 2018 | $3.5M | 7.7K t |
| 2017 | $3.4M | 8.2K t |
Where South Africa exports diatomite bricks to
One buyer market dominates: Namibia accounted for 64% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $4.2M | 64% |
| Nigeria | $1.1M | 17% |
| Eswatini | $273K | 4.2% |
| Lesotho | $152K | 2.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $149K | 2.3% |
| Mozambique | $138K | 2.1% |
| Zambia | $85K | 1.3% |
| Morocco | $85K | 1.3% |
| Tanzania | $71K | 1.1% |
| DR Congo | $59K | 0.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.09 per kg, 80% below the world average of $0.45, 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.
Diatomite bricks imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported diatomite bricks worth $532 thousand (972 tonnes). Most of the value came from India (30%), Denmark (29%), China (14%). Among the main suppliers, Denmark grew fastest (+218% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $161K | 30% |
| Denmark | $155K | 29% |
| China | $75K | 14% |
| Saudi Arabia | $68K | 13% |
| France | $27K | 5% |
| South Korea | $13K | 2.4% |
| Italy | $11K | 2.1% |
| Portugal | $8K | 1.5% |
| Hong Kong | $5K | 0.9% |
| Spain | $3K | 0.6% |
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 6901: Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths.
Common questions
What is the value of diatomite bricks exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported diatomite bricks worth $6.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 71.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 126 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 25% on 2023.
Which countries buy diatomite bricks from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 64% of the value ($4.2 million), followed by Nigeria (17%) and Eswatini (4%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 41 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 198% on the year.
What is the average export price of diatomite bricks per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.09 per kg in 2024, 80% below the world average of $0.45 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 diatomite bricks from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.4 million in 2017 to $6.5 million in 2024, an increase of 91%. The peak was 2023 at $8.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import diatomite bricks?
Yes. South Africa imported $532 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, Denmark and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $6.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for diatomite bricks?
The HS code for diatomite bricks is heading 6901. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 6901.00. It sits in HS chapter 69 (ceramic products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6901 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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