High-purity silicon imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported high-purity silicon worth $4.9 million (21 tonnes). Value rose 19% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average.
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 | $4.9M | 21 t |
| 2023 | $4.1M | 20 t |
| 2022 | $4.1M | 17 t |
| 2021 | $3.2M | 14 t |
| 2020 | $3.3M | 45 t |
| 2019 | $2.2M | 14 t |
| 2018 | $2.0M | 12 t |
| 2017 | $1.5M | 18 t |
Where South Africa imports high-purity silicon from
Japan alone supplied 55% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+56% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $2.7M | 55% |
| China | $2.2M | 45% |
| United Kingdom | $2K | 0% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $237.87 per kg, 977% above the world average of $22.09. 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.
High-purity silicon exports from South Africa
Exports of high-purity silicon by South Africa reached $2.4 million in 2024 (40 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Japan accounted for 76% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $1.8M | 76% |
| China | $538K | 22% |
| United States | $43K | 1.8% |
| Eswatini | $2K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $0K | 0% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
| Botswana | $0K | 0% |
| Tanzania | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa high-purity silicon imports (HS 2804.61): 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 2804.61: Silicon: containing by weight not less than 99.99% of silicon.
Common questions
What is the value of high-purity silicon imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported high-purity silicon worth $4.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 21 tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 113 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply high-purity silicon to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 55% of the value ($2.7 million), followed by China (45%) and the United Kingdom (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 4 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 348% on the year.
What is the average import price of high-purity silicon per kg?
The average declared import value was about $237.87 per kg in 2024, 977% above the world average of $22.09 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of high-purity silicon to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.5 million in 2017 to $4.9 million in 2024, an increase of 238%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export high-purity silicon?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Japan, China and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for high-purity silicon?
The HS code for high-purity silicon is subheading 2804.61. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2804 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 high-purity silicon trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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