Graphite and carbon articles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of graphite and carbon articles by South Africa reached $6.9 million in 2024 (471 tonnes). That is 31% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $12.9 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 | $6.9M | 471 t |
| 2023 | $5.3M | 142 t |
| 2022 | $4.8M | 194 t |
| 2021 | $12.1M | 404 t |
| 2020 | $9.6M | 835 t |
| 2019 | $9.0M | 382 t |
| 2018 | $9.8M | 380 t |
| 2017 | $12.9M | 453 t |
Where South Africa imports graphite and carbon articles from
Most of the value came from Germany (22%), Poland (18%), United States (18%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.5M | 22% |
| Poland | $1.3M | 18% |
| United States | $1.3M | 18% |
| France | $1.2M | 17% |
| China | $787K | 11% |
| Slovakia | $290K | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | $212K | 3.1% |
| South Korea | $100K | 1.5% |
| Turkey | $70K | 1% |
| Czech Republic | $37K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.71 per kg, 45% below the world average of $26.75, 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.
Graphite and carbon articles exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $666 thousand of graphite and carbon articles in 2024 (36 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Iraq (13%), Zimbabwe (11%), Malaysia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 33%. Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+312% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq | $83K | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $71K | 11% |
| Malaysia | $65K | 9.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $59K | 8.9% |
| India | $56K | 8.3% |
| Tanzania | $50K | 7.5% |
| DR Congo | $43K | 6.5% |
| Zambia | $31K | 4.6% |
| Eswatini | $23K | 3.4% |
| Gabon | $19K | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa graphite and carbon articles imports (HS 6815.10): 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 6815.10: Stone articles and articles of other mineral substances: non-electrical articles of graphite or other carbon.
Common questions
What is the value of graphite and carbon articles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported graphite and carbon articles worth $6.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 471 tonnes. That ranks it 41st of 195 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 31% on 2023.
Which countries supply graphite and carbon articles to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 22% of the value ($1.5 million), followed by Poland (18%) and the United States (18%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 51 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 175% on the year.
What is the average import price of graphite and carbon articles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $14.71 per kg in 2024, 45% below the world average of $26.75 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of graphite and carbon articles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.9 million in 2017 to $6.9 million in 2024, a fall of 46%. The peak was 2017 at $12.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export graphite and carbon articles?
Yes. South Africa exported $666 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Iraq, Zimbabwe and Malaysia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for graphite and carbon articles?
The HS code for graphite and carbon articles is subheading 6815.10. It sits in HS chapter 68 (stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6815 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World graphite and carbon articles trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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