Grinding balls imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $18.2 million of grinding balls in 2024 (14.6 thousand tonnes). It ranks 9th of 169 countries for imports of this product. That is 4% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $39.2 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 | $18.2M | 14.6K t |
| 2023 | $19.0M | 15.4K t |
| 2022 | $16.9M | 10.1K t |
| 2021 | $23.0M | 18.2K t |
| 2020 | $27.1M | 22.1K t |
| 2019 | $33.5M | 28.9K t |
| 2018 | $39.2M | 31.9K t |
| 2017 | $22.9M | 18.7K t |
Where South Africa imports grinding balls from
China alone supplied 78% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $14.2M | 78% |
| India | $2.3M | 13% |
| Canada | $1.6M | 8.9% |
| Turkey | $68K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $65K | 0.4% |
| Italy | $4K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
| Ghana | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.25 per kg, close to the world average of $1.25.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Grinding balls exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $15.2 million of grinding balls in 2024 (8.9 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 5th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 90 countries. Most of it went to Zimbabwe (38%), Botswana (32%), Namibia (12%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+449% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $5.8M | 38% |
| Botswana | $4.9M | 32% |
| Namibia | $1.8M | 12% |
| DR Congo | $1.1M | 7.5% |
| Cameroon | $368K | 2.4% |
| Ghana | $358K | 2.4% |
| Mozambique | $142K | 0.9% |
| Malawi | $133K | 0.9% |
| Belgium | $118K | 0.8% |
| Netherlands | $111K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa grinding balls imports (HS 7325.91): 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 7325.91: Iron: grinding balls and similar articles for mills, other than of non-malleable cast iron.
Common questions
What is the value of grinding balls imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported grinding balls worth $18.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 169 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply grinding balls to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 78% of the value ($14.2 million), followed by India (13%) and Canada (9%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 10 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 897% on the year.
What is the average import price of grinding balls per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.25 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.25 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of grinding balls to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $22.9 million in 2017 to $18.2 million in 2024, a fall of 20%. The peak was 2018 at $39.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $25.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export grinding balls?
Yes. South Africa exported $15.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for grinding balls?
The HS code for grinding balls is subheading 7325.91. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7325 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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