Foundry binders exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported foundry binders worth $6.6 million (2.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 41% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $11.3 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 | $6.6M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $11.2M | 3.2K t |
| 2022 | $11.3M | 3.8K t |
| 2021 | $10.9M | 3.9K t |
| 2020 | $4.2M | 2.6K t |
| 2019 | $4.5M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $3.0M | 2.4K t |
Where South Africa exports foundry binders to
The largest buyer markets were Belgium (29%), United States (24%), Namibia (16%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+39% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $1.9M | 29% |
| United States | $1.6M | 24% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 16% |
| Brazil | $497K | 7.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $294K | 4.4% |
| India | $241K | 3.6% |
| Botswana | $194K | 2.9% |
| DR Congo | $191K | 2.9% |
| Zambia | $168K | 2.5% |
| South Korea | $139K | 2.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.87 per kg, 106% above the world average of $1.39. 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.
Foundry binders imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported foundry binders worth $3.6 million (2.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were India (36%), China (31%), Germany (26%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.3M | 36% |
| China | $1.1M | 31% |
| Germany | $947K | 26% |
| United Kingdom | $138K | 3.8% |
| Australia | $51K | 1.4% |
| Greece | $21K | 0.6% |
| Switzerland | $8K | 0.2% |
| Botswana | $4K | 0.1% |
| United States | $4K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $3K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa foundry binders exports (HS 3824.10): 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 3824.10: Binders, prepared: for foundry moulds or cores.
Common questions
What is the value of foundry binders exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported foundry binders worth $6.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 110 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 41% on 2023.
Which countries buy foundry binders from South Africa?
Belgium was the largest buyer with 29% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by the United States (24%) and Namibia (16%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 33 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 39% on the year.
What is the average export price of foundry binders per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.87 per kg in 2024, 106% above the world average of $1.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of foundry binders from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.0 million in 2017 to $6.6 million in 2024, an increase of 122%. The peak was 2022 at $11.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also import foundry binders?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, China and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for foundry binders?
The HS code for foundry binders is subheading 3824.10. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3824 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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