Industrial ash exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported industrial ash worth $5.4 million (72.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 27% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2020, at $13.7 million.
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 | $5.4M | 72.3K t |
| 2023 | $7.4M | 75.7K t |
| 2022 | $9.9M | 112.7K t |
| 2021 | $11.5M | 133.6K t |
| 2020 | $13.7M | 139.4K t |
| 2019 | $13.4M | 140.9K t |
| 2018 | $9.1M | 103.8K t |
| 2017 | $10.3M | 119.6K t |
Where South Africa exports industrial ash to
Most of it went to Angola (18%), Mozambique (15%), Saudi Arabia (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+315% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Angola | $951K | 18% |
| Mozambique | $808K | 15% |
| Saudi Arabia | $702K | 13% |
| Lesotho | $596K | 11% |
| Nigeria | $370K | 6.8% |
| Barbados | $353K | 6.5% |
| Namibia | $349K | 6.4% |
| Zambia | $128K | 2.4% |
| Republic of the Congo | $118K | 2.2% |
| Brunei | $100K | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 2621
| 2621.90 | Slag and ash n.e.c. in chapter 26: including seaweed ash (kelp) but excluding ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste | 86% |
| 2621.10 | Slag and ash: ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste | 14% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2621.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.08 per kg, 100% 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.
Industrial ash imports to South Africa
Imports of industrial ash by South Africa reached $2.6 million in 2024 (5.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: Australia accounted for 70% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+584% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $1.8M | 70% |
| India | $531K | 21% |
| Namibia | $105K | 4.1% |
| China | $97K | 3.8% |
| Colombia | $15K | 0.6% |
| United States | $12K | 0.5% |
| Indonesia | $10K | 0.4% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $0K | 0% |
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 2621: Slag and ash n.e.c. in chapter 26; including seaweed ash (kelp) and ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste.
Common questions
What is the value of industrial ash exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported industrial ash worth $5.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 72.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 102 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 27% on 2023.
Which countries buy industrial ash from South Africa?
Angola was the largest buyer with 18% of the value ($951 thousand), followed by Mozambique (15%) and Saudi Arabia (13%). The top three together account for 45%, out of 39 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 315% on the year.
What is the average export price of industrial ash per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.08 per kg in 2024, 100% 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 industrial ash from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.3 million in 2017 to $5.4 million in 2024, a fall of 47%. The peak was 2020 at $13.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import industrial ash?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Australia, India and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for industrial ash?
The HS code for industrial ash is heading 2621. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2621.90 (86% of the value) and 2621.10 (14%). It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2621 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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