Graphite block imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported graphite block worth $6.4 million (972 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 22% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $6.4M | 972 t |
| 2023 | $5.2M | 986 t |
| 2022 | $3.9M | 1.7K t |
| 2021 | $3.1M | 1.8K t |
| 2020 | $2.9M | 422 t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 792 t |
| 2018 | $4.7M | 2.8K t |
| 2017 | $3.2M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports graphite block from
Most of the value came from United States (29%), China (28%), Poland (20%). Among the main suppliers, Hungary grew fastest (+156% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.8M | 29% |
| China | $1.8M | 28% |
| Poland | $1.3M | 20% |
| France | $413K | 6.5% |
| Slovakia | $391K | 6.1% |
| Hungary | $344K | 5.4% |
| United Kingdom | $171K | 2.7% |
| Germany | $110K | 1.7% |
| Japan | $21K | 0.3% |
| India | $18K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.55 per kg, 182% above the world average of $2.32. 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.
Graphite block exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $404 thousand of graphite block in 2024 (146 tonnes). United Kingdom alone took 50% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+590% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $202K | 50% |
| Zambia | $44K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $35K | 8.6% |
| Ireland | $28K | 6.9% |
| Namibia | $22K | 5.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $19K | 4.8% |
| India | $13K | 3.3% |
| Malawi | $13K | 3.1% |
| Tanzania | $6K | 1.6% |
| Botswana | $5K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa graphite block imports (HS 3801.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 3801.90: Graphite or other carbon based preparations: in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures.
Common questions
What is the value of graphite block imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported graphite block worth $6.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 972 tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 166 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply graphite block to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by China (28%) and Poland (20%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. Hungary grew fastest among the top ten, up 156% on the year.
What is the average import price of graphite block per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.55 per kg in 2024, 182% above the world average of $2.32 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of graphite block to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.2 million in 2017 to $6.4 million in 2024, an increase of 96%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $4.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export graphite block?
Yes. South Africa exported $404 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Kingdom, Zambia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for graphite block?
The HS code for graphite block is subheading 3801.90. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3801 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
More trade data for South Africa
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