Ground phosphate exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $63.2 million of ground phosphate in 2024 (213.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 79 countries. Value rose 67% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $87.0 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 | $63.2M | 213.0K t |
| 2023 | $37.9M | 116.3K t |
| 2022 | $87.0M | 309.4K t |
| 2021 | $45.7M | 282.2K t |
| 2020 | $44.0M | 321.9K t |
| 2019 | $73.1M | 487.4K t |
| 2018 | $78.4M | 539.8K t |
| 2017 | $58.7M | 405.0K t |
Where South Africa exports ground phosphate to
The largest buyer markets were Japan (48%), Lithuania (45%), Mozambique (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+454% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $30.2M | 48% |
| Lithuania | $28.5M | 45% |
| Mozambique | $4.5M | 7.1% |
| Germany | $84K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $3K | 0% |
| Zimbabwe | $1K | 0% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
| Togo | $0K | 0% |
| DR Congo | $0K | 0% |
| Bulgaria | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.30 per kg, 88% above the world average of $0.16. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa ground phosphate exports (HS 2510.20): 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 2510.20: Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk: ground.
Common questions
What is the value of ground phosphate exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported ground phosphate worth $63.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 213.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 79 countries worldwide, with 4% of world exports. The value was up 67% on 2023.
Which countries buy ground phosphate from South Africa?
Japan was the largest buyer with 48% of the value ($30.2 million), followed by Lithuania (45%) and Mozambique (7%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 16 buyer countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 454% on the year.
What is the average export price of ground phosphate per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.30 per kg in 2024, 88% above the world average of $0.16 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of ground phosphate from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $58.7 million in 2017 to $63.2 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2022 at $87.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $61.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for ground phosphate?
The HS code for ground phosphate is subheading 2510.20. It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2510 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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