Germanium and zirconium oxides exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $17.6 million of germanium and zirconium oxides in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 47 countries. Value rose 37% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $17.6M | 2.5K t |
| 2023 | $12.9M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $20.1M | 2.1K t |
| 2021 | $14.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $12.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2019 | $12.2M | 2.0K t |
| 2018 | $13.7M | 2.4K t |
| 2017 | $11.1M | 2.5K t |
Where South Africa exports germanium and zirconium oxides to
Most of it went to India (32%), Japan (24%), Taiwan (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+534% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $5.6M | 32% |
| Japan | $4.2M | 24% |
| Taiwan | $2.3M | 13% |
| United States | $1.6M | 9.2% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 7.5% |
| Netherlands | $1.1M | 6.3% |
| United Kingdom | $629K | 3.6% |
| Belgium | $430K | 2.4% |
| Brazil | $217K | 1.2% |
| Canada | $187K | 1.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.92 per kg, 43% below the world average of $12.16, 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.
Germanium and zirconium oxides imports to South Africa
Imports of germanium and zirconium oxides by South Africa reached $1.4 million in 2024 (90 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Japan accounted for 67% of the value. Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $965K | 67% |
| United States | $329K | 23% |
| France | $118K | 8.2% |
| India | $11K | 0.7% |
| Germany | $5K | 0.3% |
| South Korea | $4K | 0.3% |
| China | $3K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| Italy | $0K | 0% |
| Vietnam | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa germanium and zirconium oxides exports (HS 2825.60): 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 2825.60: Germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide.
Common questions
What is the value of germanium and zirconium oxides exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported germanium and zirconium oxides worth $17.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 47 countries worldwide, with 4% of world exports. The value was up 37% on 2023.
Which countries buy germanium and zirconium oxides from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 32% of the value ($5.6 million), followed by Japan (24%) and Taiwan (13%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 15 buyer countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 534% on the year.
What is the average export price of germanium and zirconium oxides per kg?
The average declared export value was about $6.92 per kg in 2024, 43% below the world average of $12.16 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of germanium and zirconium oxides from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $11.1 million in 2017 to $17.6 million in 2024, an increase of 58%. The peak was 2022 at $20.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $14.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import germanium and zirconium oxides?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Japan, the United States and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $16.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for germanium and zirconium oxides?
The HS code for germanium and zirconium oxides is subheading 2825.60. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2825 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.
Same product, other countries
World germanium and zirconium oxides trade: top importers and exporters
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