High-hardness technical ceramics imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported high-hardness technical ceramics worth $3.0 million (1.3 thousand tonnes). That is 17% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 13% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $8.1 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.0M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $2.6M | 774 t |
| 2022 | $4.5M | 2.3K t |
| 2021 | $5.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $1.9M | 613 t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 954 t |
| 2018 | $3.3M | 950 t |
| 2017 | $8.1M | 1.5K t |
Where South Africa imports high-hardness technical ceramics from
China alone supplied 77% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+41% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.3M | 77% |
| Germany | $363K | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $138K | 4.6% |
| Czech Republic | $59K | 1.9% |
| Austria | $39K | 1.3% |
| United States | $28K | 0.9% |
| South Korea | $16K | 0.5% |
| Netherlands | $14K | 0.5% |
| Hong Kong | $13K | 0.4% |
| Switzerland | $9K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.32 per kg, 72% below the world average of $8.26, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
High-hardness technical ceramics exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported high-hardness technical ceramics worth $1.7 million (122 tonnes). Algeria alone took 73% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | $1.2M | 73% |
| United States | $167K | 10% |
| Sweden | $50K | 3% |
| France | $50K | 3% |
| Zimbabwe | $41K | 2.5% |
| Australia | $24K | 1.5% |
| United Kingdom | $20K | 1.2% |
| Thailand | $16K | 1% |
| Zambia | $15K | 0.9% |
| Israel | $15K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa high-hardness technical ceramics imports (HS 6909.12): 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 6909.12: Ceramic wares: for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, articles having a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale.
Common questions
What is the value of high-hardness technical ceramics imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported high-hardness technical ceramics worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 160 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply high-hardness technical ceramics to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 77% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Germany (12%) and the United Kingdom (5%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 409% on the year.
What is the average import price of high-hardness technical ceramics per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.32 per kg in 2024, 72% below the world average of $8.26 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of high-hardness technical ceramics to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.1 million in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, a fall of 63%. The peak was 2017 at $8.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export high-hardness technical ceramics?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Algeria, the United States and Sweden. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for high-hardness technical ceramics?
The HS code for high-hardness technical ceramics is subheading 6909.12. It sits in HS chapter 69 (ceramic products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6909 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.
Same product, other countries
World high-hardness technical ceramics trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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