Hydrogen gas exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $119.3 million of hydrogen gas in 2024 (35.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 86% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 23% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $119.3M | 35.0K t |
| 2023 | $64.2M | 29.6K t |
| 2022 | $9.1M | 18.9K t |
| 2021 | $19.3M | 25.0K t |
| 2020 | $20.2M | 20.8K t |
| 2019 | $69.8M | 50.2K t |
| 2018 | $100.1M | 58.3K t |
| 2017 | $28.4M | 25.7K t |
Where South Africa exports hydrogen gas to
The largest buyer markets were China (49%), Germany (13%), France (13%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+469% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $58.4M | 49% |
| Germany | $15.6M | 13% |
| France | $15.5M | 13% |
| Netherlands | $7.6M | 6.4% |
| Malaysia | $4.7M | 3.9% |
| Finland | $3.3M | 2.8% |
| United States | $2.5M | 2.1% |
| Mozambique | $2.3M | 1.9% |
| Japan | $1.9M | 1.6% |
| Namibia | $1.2M | 1% |
Product types under HS 2804
| 2804.69 | Silicon: containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon | 78% |
| 2804.29 | Gases, rare: other than argon | 14% |
| 2804.40 | Oxygen | 2.5% |
| 2804.61 | Silicon: containing by weight not less than 99.99% of silicon | 2% |
| 2804.21 | Gases, rare: argon | 1.7% |
| 2804.30 | Nitrogen | 1.1% |
| 2804.50 | Boron: tellurium | 0.2% |
| 2804.10 | Hydrogen | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2804.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.41 per kg, 50% above the world average of $2.28. 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.
Hydrogen gas imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $25.7 million of hydrogen gas in 2024 (4.4 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from China (37%), Vietnam (13%), Qatar (11%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+38% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.4M | 37% |
| Vietnam | $3.3M | 13% |
| Qatar | $2.8M | 11% |
| United States | $2.8M | 11% |
| Japan | $2.7M | 11% |
| Algeria | $2.3M | 9.1% |
| Germany | $612K | 2.4% |
| India | $405K | 1.6% |
| Malaysia | $258K | 1% |
| Australia | $187K | 0.7% |
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 2804: Hydrogen, rare gases and other non-metals.
Common questions
What is the value of hydrogen gas exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported hydrogen gas worth $119.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 35.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 159 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 86% on 2023.
Which countries buy hydrogen gas from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 49% of the value ($58.4 million), followed by Germany (13%) and France (13%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 51 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 469% on the year.
What is the average export price of hydrogen gas per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.41 per kg in 2024, 50% above the world average of $2.28 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 hydrogen gas from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $28.4 million in 2017 to $119.3 million in 2024, an increase of 321%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import hydrogen gas?
Yes. South Africa imported $25.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Vietnam and Qatar. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $93.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for hydrogen gas?
The HS code for hydrogen gas is heading 2804. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2804.69 (78% of the value) and 2804.29 (14%). 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?
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.
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