Iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $1.11 billion of iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) in 2024 (39 tonnes). It ranks 1st of 42 countries for exports of this product. That is 27% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 26% a year on average.
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 | $1.11B | 39 t |
| 2023 | $879.2M | 25 t |
| 2022 | $996.9M | 32 t |
| 2021 | $1.30B | 47 t |
| 2020 | $451.7M | 35 t |
| 2019 | $375.1M | 27 t |
| 2018 | $412.5M | 44 t |
| 2017 | $218.2M | 44 t |
Where South Africa exports iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) to
The largest buyer markets were Japan (46%), Hong Kong (22%), United States (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Taiwan grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $509.7M | 46% |
| Hong Kong | $244.5M | 22% |
| United States | $124.0M | 11% |
| United Kingdom | $108.6M | 9.8% |
| Taiwan | $38.2M | 3.4% |
| China | $35.7M | 3.2% |
| Germany | $32.8M | 3% |
| Switzerland | $8.2M | 0.7% |
| Italy | $4.9M | 0.4% |
| Austria | $2.2M | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $28,742.88 per kg, 21% above the world average of $23,819.94. 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.
Iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $381 thousand of iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) in 2024. China alone supplied 81% of it. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+338% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $309K | 81% |
| United States | $41K | 11% |
| Germany | $32K | 8.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) exports (HS 7110.41): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 7110.41: Metals: iridium, osmium, ruthenium, unwrought or in powder form.
Common questions
What is the value of iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) worth $1.11 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 39 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 42 countries worldwide, with 49% of world exports. The value was up 27% on 2023.
Which countries buy iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) from South Africa?
Japan was the largest buyer with 46% of the value ($509.7 million), followed by Hong Kong (22%) and the United States (11%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 92% on the year.
What is the average export price of iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $28,742.88 per kg in 2024, 21% above the world average of $23,819.94 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $218.2 million in 2017 to $1.11 billion in 2024, an increase of 410%. The peak was 2021 at $1.30 billion. Over 8 years the average was $718.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought)?
Yes. South Africa imported $381 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United States and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.11 billion a year.
What is the HS code for iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought)?
The HS code for iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) is subheading 7110.41. 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?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World iridium, osmium, ruthenium (unwrought) trade: top importers and exporters
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.