Heat-insulating minerals imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $17.2 million of heat-insulating minerals in 2024 (4.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 13% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $35.3 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 | $17.2M | 4.0K t |
| 2023 | $15.2M | 3.6K t |
| 2022 | $17.7M | 4.7K t |
| 2021 | $19.9M | 5.0K t |
| 2020 | $16.3M | 3.1K t |
| 2019 | $28.9M | 8.0K t |
| 2018 | $35.3M | 7.6K t |
| 2017 | $34.3M | 7.7K t |
Where South Africa imports heat-insulating minerals from
The largest suppliers were Japan (44%), Hungary (16%), Germany (11%). Among the main suppliers, Hungary grew fastest (+72% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $7.6M | 44% |
| Hungary | $2.8M | 16% |
| Germany | $1.9M | 11% |
| China | $1.8M | 11% |
| United States | $1.7M | 10% |
| United Kingdom | $594K | 3.5% |
| France | $282K | 1.6% |
| Denmark | $254K | 1.5% |
| Italy | $61K | 0.4% |
| Thailand | $49K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.27 per kg, 70% above the world average of $2.51. 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.
Heat-insulating minerals exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported heat-insulating minerals worth $16.7 million (874 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. One buyer market dominates: United States accounted for 90% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $15.1M | 90% |
| Mozambique | $684K | 4.1% |
| Botswana | $130K | 0.8% |
| DR Congo | $124K | 0.7% |
| Brazil | $119K | 0.7% |
| Namibia | $90K | 0.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $86K | 0.5% |
| Kuwait | $80K | 0.5% |
| India | $74K | 0.4% |
| Eswatini | $63K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa heat-insulating minerals imports (HS 6806.90): 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 6806.90: Minerals: mixtures and articles of heat-insulating, sound-insulating or sound-absorbing mineral materials, other than those of heading no. 6811 or 6812 or of chapter 69.
Common questions
What is the value of heat-insulating minerals imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported heat-insulating minerals worth $17.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 212 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply heat-insulating minerals to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($7.6 million), followed by Hungary (16%) and Germany (11%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 120% on the year.
What is the average import price of heat-insulating minerals per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.27 per kg in 2024, 70% above the world average of $2.51 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of heat-insulating minerals to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $34.3 million in 2017 to $17.2 million in 2024, a fall of 50%. The peak was 2018 at $35.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $23.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export heat-insulating minerals?
Yes. South Africa exported $16.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Mozambique and Botswana. That compares with imports of $17.2 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for heat-insulating minerals?
The HS code for heat-insulating minerals is subheading 6806.90. 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 6806 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World heat-insulating minerals trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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