Gypsum exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $9.0 million of gypsum in 2024 (52.3 thousand tonnes). That is 30% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average.
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 | $9.0M | 52.3K t |
| 2023 | $6.9M | 30.0K t |
| 2022 | $6.1M | 32.4K t |
| 2021 | $5.1M | 30.4K t |
| 2020 | $2.7M | 14.0K t |
| 2019 | $4.2M | 22.1K t |
| 2018 | $3.9M | 15.8K t |
| 2017 | $4.0M | 14.7K t |
Where South Africa exports gypsum to
Most of it went to Zimbabwe (44%), Malawi (16%), Botswana (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+164% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $3.9M | 44% |
| Malawi | $1.4M | 16% |
| Botswana | $1.4M | 15% |
| Mozambique | $441K | 4.9% |
| Namibia | $411K | 4.6% |
| Mauritius | $316K | 3.5% |
| Eswatini | $299K | 3.3% |
| Zambia | $262K | 2.9% |
| Tanzania | $172K | 1.9% |
| DR Congo | $130K | 1.5% |
Product types under HS 2520
| 2520.20 | Plasters: (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders | 60% |
| 2520.10 | Gypsum: anhydrite | 40% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2520.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.17 per kg, 325% above the world average of $0.04. 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.
Gypsum imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported gypsum worth $6.6 million (247.3 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Oman accounted for 67% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Oman grew fastest (+58% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Oman | $4.5M | 67% |
| United Kingdom | $1.1M | 16% |
| Spain | $270K | 4.1% |
| Germany | $245K | 3.7% |
| Turkey | $124K | 1.9% |
| Egypt | $84K | 1.3% |
| Netherlands | $78K | 1.2% |
| South Korea | $73K | 1.1% |
| China | $59K | 0.9% |
| Italy | $37K | 0.6% |
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 2520: Gypsum; anhydrite; plasters (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), coloured or not, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders.
Common questions
What is the value of gypsum exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported gypsum worth $9.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 52.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 129 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 30% on 2023.
Which countries buy gypsum from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 44% of the value ($3.9 million), followed by Malawi (16%) and Botswana (15%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 34 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 193% on the year.
What is the average export price of gypsum per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.17 per kg in 2024, 325% above the world average of $0.04 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 exports of gypsum from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.0 million in 2017 to $9.0 million in 2024, an increase of 123%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import gypsum?
Yes. South Africa imported $6.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Oman, the United Kingdom and Spain. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for gypsum?
The HS code for gypsum is heading 2520. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2520.20 (60% of the value) and 2520.10 (40%). 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 2520 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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