Graphite paste exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $13.0 million of graphite paste in 2024 (10.8 thousand tonnes). It ranks 6th of 63 countries for exports of this product. That is 17% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $27.2 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 | $13.0M | 10.8K t |
| 2023 | $15.6M | 11.6K t |
| 2022 | $27.2M | 21.8K t |
| 2021 | $15.6M | 18.3K t |
| 2020 | $13.8M | 13.8K t |
| 2019 | $14.8M | 19.1K t |
| 2018 | $19.4M | 26.0K t |
| 2017 | $11.1M | 17.2K t |
Where South Africa exports graphite paste to
The largest buyer markets were Australia (31%), Malaysia (29%), Zambia (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+263% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $4.0M | 31% |
| Malaysia | $3.8M | 29% |
| Zambia | $2.1M | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.6M | 13% |
| Georgia | $635K | 4.9% |
| South Korea | $323K | 2.5% |
| United States | $278K | 2.1% |
| New Zealand | $105K | 0.8% |
| DR Congo | $96K | 0.7% |
| Brazil | $23K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.20 per kg, 28% above the world average of $0.94. 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 paste imports to South Africa
Imports of graphite paste by South Africa reached $2.7 million in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: France accounted for 53% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Poland grew fastest (+128% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $1.4M | 53% |
| China | $1.0M | 38% |
| Poland | $251K | 9.3% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa graphite paste exports (HS 3801.30): 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 3801.30: Carbonaceous pastes: for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings.
Common questions
What is the value of graphite paste exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported graphite paste worth $13.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 63 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 17% on 2023.
Which countries buy graphite paste from South Africa?
Australia was the largest buyer with 31% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by Malaysia (29%) and Zambia (16%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 12 buyer countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 263% on the year.
What is the average export price of graphite paste per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.20 per kg in 2024, 28% above the world average of $0.94 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of graphite paste from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $11.1 million in 2017 to $13.0 million in 2024, an increase of 17%. The peak was 2022 at $27.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $16.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import graphite paste?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, China and Poland. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $10.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for graphite paste?
The HS code for graphite paste is subheading 3801.30. 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?
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.
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