Grinding stones imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $24.9 million of grinding stones in 2024 (3.4 thousand tonnes). Value rose 15% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $24.9M | 3.4K t |
| 2023 | $21.7M | 2.8K t |
| 2022 | $22.7M | 3.6K t |
| 2021 | $24.6M | 3.8K t |
| 2020 | $17.6M | 3.0K t |
| 2019 | $20.7M | 2.7K t |
| 2018 | $22.3M | 2.9K t |
| 2017 | $29.5M | 4.7K t |
Where South Africa imports grinding stones from
Most of the value came from China (40%), Germany (20%), Italy (8%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+71% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.9M | 40% |
| Germany | $4.9M | 20% |
| Italy | $2.1M | 8.3% |
| Poland | $1.8M | 7.2% |
| Sweden | $1.4M | 5.7% |
| United States | $872K | 3.5% |
| India | $491K | 2% |
| Austria | $430K | 1.7% |
| Turkey | $333K | 1.3% |
| Singapore | $310K | 1.2% |
Product types under HS 6804
| 6804.22 | Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels and the like: of other agglomerated abrasives or of ceramics | 63% |
| 6804.21 | Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels and the like: of agglomerated synthetic or natural diamond | 32% |
| 6804.30 | Stones: hand sharpening or polishing stones, of natural stone, agglomerated natural or artificial abrasives or ceramics, with or without parts of… | 2.9% |
| 6804.10 | Millstones and grindstones: for milling, grinding or pulping | 1.4% |
| 6804.23 | Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels and the like: of natural stone | 1.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6804.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.37 per kg, close to the world average of $7.49.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Grinding stones exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported grinding stones worth $23.7 million (2.2 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to United States (28%), Germany (12%), Namibia (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%. Among the main buyer markets, Czech Republic grew fastest (+414% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6.8M | 29% |
| Germany | $2.9M | 12% |
| Namibia | $1.8M | 7.7% |
| Ireland | $1.5M | 6.5% |
| Zambia | $1.5M | 6.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.4M | 5.9% |
| Botswana | $1.2M | 5.1% |
| Mozambique | $1.1M | 4.7% |
| Czech Republic | $1.0M | 4.2% |
| DR Congo | $749K | 3.2% |
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 6804: Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels, etc without frameworks, for grinding, sharpening, polishing, etc and parts thereof, natural stone, agglomerated natural or artificial abrasives or of ceramics.
Common questions
What is the value of grinding stones imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported grinding stones worth $24.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply grinding stones to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($9.9 million), followed by Germany (20%) and Italy (8%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 69 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 71% on the year.
What is the average import price of grinding stones per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.37 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $7.49 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 imports of grinding stones to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $29.5 million in 2017 to $24.9 million in 2024, a fall of 16%. The peak was 2017 at $29.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export grinding stones?
Yes. South Africa exported $23.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Germany and Namibia. That compares with imports of $24.9 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for grinding stones?
The HS code for grinding stones is heading 6804. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6804.22 (62% of the value) and 6804.21 (32%). 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 6804 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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