Explosive exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported explosive worth $9.3 million (337 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 33% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $14.0 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 | $9.3M | 337 t |
| 2023 | $14.0M | 324 t |
| 2022 | $1.5M | 95 t |
| 2021 | $2.4M | 96 t |
| 2020 | $3.7M | 127 t |
| 2019 | $560K | 22 t |
| 2018 | $1.7M | 82 t |
| 2017 | $4.7M | 240 t |
Where South Africa exports explosive to
The largest buyer markets were Turkey (43%), Indonesia (23%), Philippines (20%). Among the main buyer markets, Turkey grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $4.0M | 43% |
| Indonesia | $2.1M | 23% |
| Philippines | $1.8M | 20% |
| Germany | $656K | 7% |
| Australia | $560K | 6% |
| Spain | $96K | 1% |
| Namibia | $57K | 0.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $47K | 0.5% |
| Botswana | $4K | 0.1% |
| Eswatini | $3K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $27.70 per kg, 27% below the world average of $38.11, 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.
Explosive imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported explosive worth $1.6 million (28 tonnes). Most of the value came from United States (39%), Germany (35%), Finland (17%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+308% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $611K | 39% |
| Germany | $554K | 35% |
| Finland | $271K | 17% |
| France | $146K | 9.2% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
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 3601: Explosives; propellent powders.
Common questions
What is the value of explosive exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported explosive worth $9.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 337 tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 62 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 33% on 2023.
Which countries buy explosive from South Africa?
Turkey was the largest buyer with 43% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by Indonesia (23%) and the Philippines (20%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 11 buyer countries in total. Eswatini grew fastest among the top ten, up 991% on the year.
What is the average export price of explosive per kg?
The average declared export value was about $27.70 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $38.11 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 explosive from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.7 million in 2017 to $9.3 million in 2024, an increase of 97%. The peak was 2023 at $14.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import explosive?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, Germany and Finland. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $7.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for explosive?
The HS code for explosive is heading 3601. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3601.00. It sits in HS chapter 36 (explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3601 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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