Iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) by South Africa reached $135.8 million in 2024 (5 tonnes). It ranks 1st of 47 countries for exports of this product. That is 141% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 17% 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 | $135.8M | 5 t |
| 2023 | $56.3M | 2 t |
| 2022 | $69.9M | 2 t |
| 2021 | $18.8M | 2 t |
| 2020 | $53.8M | 3 t |
| 2019 | $67.3M | 5 t |
| 2018 | $101.0M | 7 t |
| 2017 | $45.1M | 7 t |
Where South Africa exports iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) to
One buyer market dominates: Japan accounted for 59% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Hong Kong grew fastest (+339% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $80.5M | 59% |
| United Kingdom | $33.4M | 25% |
| United States | $10.5M | 7.7% |
| Hong Kong | $5.4M | 4% |
| South Korea | $3.0M | 2.2% |
| Italy | $2.5M | 1.8% |
| India | $286K | 0.2% |
| New Zealand | $184K | 0.1% |
| Australia | $53K | 0% |
| DR Congo | $10K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $28,300.54 per kg, 48% above the world average of $19,185.86. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) exports (HS 7110.49): 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 7110.49: Metals: iridium, osmium, ruthenium, semi-manufactured.
Common questions
What is the value of iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) worth $135.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 47 countries worldwide, with 26% of world exports. The value was up 141% on 2023.
Which countries buy iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) from South Africa?
Japan was the largest buyer with 59% of the value ($80.5 million), followed by the United Kingdom (25%) and the United States (8%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 14 buyer countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 339% on the year.
What is the average export price of iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $28,300.54 per kg in 2024, 48% above the world average of $19,185.86 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $45.1 million in 2017 to $135.8 million in 2024, an increase of 201%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $68.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured)?
The HS code for iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) is subheading 7110.49. It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7110 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 iridium, osmium, ruthenium (semi-manufactured) trade: top importers and exporters
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