Forged grinding balls exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of forged grinding balls by South Africa reached $19.3 million in 2024 (10.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 9th of 99 countries for exports of this product. Value rose 47% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $33.0 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 | $19.3M | 10.3K t |
| 2023 | $13.1M | 9.9K t |
| 2022 | $29.1M | 20.7K t |
| 2021 | $33.0M | 28.1K t |
| 2020 | $17.5M | 19.3K t |
| 2019 | $21.3M | 22.8K t |
| 2018 | $27.9M | 27.0K t |
| 2017 | $28.5M | 30.8K t |
Where South Africa exports forged grinding balls to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (25%), Botswana (24%), Ghana (24%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+227% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $4.9M | 25% |
| Botswana | $4.7M | 24% |
| Ghana | $4.6M | 24% |
| Zambia | $2.2M | 11% |
| Namibia | $1.7M | 8.7% |
| Mozambique | $779K | 4.1% |
| DR Congo | $187K | 1% |
| India | $124K | 0.7% |
| Tanzania | $93K | 0.5% |
| Nigeria | $39K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.87 per kg, 91% above the world average of $0.98. 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.
Forged grinding balls imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported forged grinding balls worth $366 thousand (223 tonnes). Most of the value came from China (41%), Sweden (34%), Spain (14%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $148K | 41% |
| Sweden | $124K | 34% |
| Spain | $51K | 14% |
| Namibia | $40K | 11% |
| Hong Kong | $2K | 0.6% |
| India | $1K | 0.2% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0.1% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
| Denmark | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa forged grinding balls exports (HS 7326.11): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 7326.11: Iron or steel: grinding balls and similar articles for mills, forged or stamped, but not further worked.
Common questions
What is the value of forged grinding balls exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported forged grinding balls worth $19.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 99 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 47% on 2023.
Which countries buy forged grinding balls from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 25% of the value ($4.9 million), followed by Botswana (24%) and Ghana (24%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 16 buyer countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 227% on the year.
What is the average export price of forged grinding balls per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.87 per kg in 2024, 91% above the world average of $0.98 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of forged grinding balls from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $28.5 million in 2017 to $19.3 million in 2024, a fall of 32%. The peak was 2021 at $33.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $23.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import forged grinding balls?
Yes. South Africa imported $366 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Sweden and Spain. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $18.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for forged grinding balls?
The HS code for forged grinding balls is subheading 7326.11. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7326 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 forged grinding balls trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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