Gold exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of gold by South Africa reached $29.03 billion in 2024 (386 tonnes). That makes it the 5th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 157 countries. That is 12% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average.
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 | $29.03B | 386 t |
| 2023 | $25.91B | 420 t |
| 2022 | $23.20B | 409 t |
| 2021 | $20.14B | 358 t |
| 2020 | $12.72B | 238 t |
| 2019 | $16.61B | 388 t |
| 2018 | $19.46B | 483 t |
| 2017 | $16.82B | 412 t |
Where South Africa exports gold to
The largest buyer markets were China (31%), United Kingdom (22%), India (22%). Among the main buyer markets, Singapore grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.03B | 31% |
| United Kingdom | $6.41B | 22% |
| India | $6.35B | 22% |
| Switzerland | $2.78B | 9.6% |
| Italy | $742.9M | 2.6% |
| United States | $682.3M | 2.4% |
| Singapore | $546.4M | 1.9% |
| Hong Kong | $504.8M | 1.7% |
| Canada | $445.7M | 1.5% |
| Uganda | $400.7M | 1.4% |
Product types under HS 7108
| 7108.12 | Metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder) | 74% |
| 7108.13 | Metals: gold, semi-manufactured | 26% |
| 7108.11 | Metals: gold, non-monetary, powder | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7108.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $75,151.05 per kg, 30% above the world average of $57,889.60. 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.
Gold imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $4.04 billion of gold in 2024 (92 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: Tanzania accounted for 55% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+107% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $2.23B | 55% |
| Namibia | $796.6M | 20% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $403.8M | 10% |
| Ghana | $295.9M | 7.3% |
| Zambia | $105.0M | 2.6% |
| Switzerland | $93.7M | 2.3% |
| Burkina Faso | $51.5M | 1.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $22.8M | 0.6% |
| Kenya | $22.5M | 0.6% |
| Mozambique | $15.6M | 0.4% |
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 7108: Gold (including gold plated with platinum) unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form.
Common questions
What is the value of gold exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported gold worth $29.03 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 386 tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 157 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries buy gold from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 31% of the value ($9.03 billion), followed by the United Kingdom (22%) and India (22%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 40 buyer countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 215% on the year.
What is the average export price of gold per kg?
The average declared export value was about $75,151.05 per kg in 2024, 30% above the world average of $57,889.60 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 gold from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $16.82 billion in 2017 to $29.03 billion in 2024, an increase of 73%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import gold?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.04 billion worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Tanzania, Namibia and Cote d'Ivoire. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $24.99 billion a year.
What is the HS code for gold?
The HS code for gold is heading 7108. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7108.12 (74% of the value) and 7108.13 (26%). It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7108 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.
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