Ferro-nickel imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of ferro-nickel by South Africa reached $29.0 million in 2024 (9.3 thousand tonnes). Value rose 127% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $157.0 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $29.0M | 9.3K t |
| 2023 | $12.8M | 2.7K t |
| 2022 | $90.5M | 14.7K t |
| 2021 | $91.4M | 17.7K t |
| 2020 | $53.5M | 450.4K t |
| 2019 | $81.1M | 23.3K t |
| 2018 | $157.0M | 42.2K t |
| 2017 | $80.8M | 26.8K t |
Where South Africa imports ferro-nickel from
One supplier dominates: Brazil accounted for 65% of the value. Among the main suppliers, New Caledonia grew fastest (+116% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $18.8M | 65% |
| New Caledonia | $8.8M | 30% |
| Indonesia | $1.5M | 5.1% |
| Portugal | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.13 per kg, 92% above the world average of $1.63. 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.
Ferro-nickel exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $624 thousand of ferro-nickel in 2024 (59 tonnes). Switzerland alone took 59% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Switzerland grew fastest (+282% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $367K | 59% |
| Spain | $89K | 14% |
| Netherlands | $79K | 13% |
| Germany | $78K | 13% |
| Slovakia | $6K | 0.9% |
| Czech Republic | $4K | 0.7% |
| Italy | $1K | 0.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa ferro-nickel imports (HS 7202.60): 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 7202.60: Ferro-alloys: ferro-nickel.
Common questions
What is the value of ferro-nickel imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported ferro-nickel worth $29.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 65 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 127% on 2023.
Which countries supply ferro-nickel to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 65% of the value ($18.8 million), followed by New Caledonia (30%) and Indonesia (5%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 4 supplier countries in total. New Caledonia grew fastest among the top ten, up 116% on the year.
What is the average import price of ferro-nickel per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.13 per kg in 2024, 92% above the world average of $1.63 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of ferro-nickel to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $80.8 million in 2017 to $29.0 million in 2024, a fall of 64%. The peak was 2018 at $157.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $74.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export ferro-nickel?
Yes. South Africa exported $624 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Switzerland, Spain and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $28.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for ferro-nickel?
The HS code for ferro-nickel is subheading 7202.60. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7202 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.
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