Iron ore pellets exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of iron ore pellets by South Africa reached $34.7 million in 2024 (227.0 thousand tonnes). That is 99% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 41% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $3.70 billion.
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 | $34.7M | 227.0K t |
| 2023 | $2.32B | 15.12M t |
| 2022 | $2.15B | 16.75M t |
| 2021 | $2.87B | 16.58M t |
| 2020 | $1.57B | 14.77M t |
| 2019 | $3.70B | 40.24M t |
| 2018 | $2.73B | 39.01M t |
| 2017 | $1.32B | 16.15M t |
Where South Africa exports iron ore pellets to
Serbia alone took 96% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Serbia | $33.3M | 96% |
| United States | $493K | 1.4% |
| Spain | $186K | 0.5% |
| Botswana | $177K | 0.5% |
| South Korea | $145K | 0.4% |
| Mozambique | $86K | 0.3% |
| Tanzania | $79K | 0.2% |
| Indonesia | $49K | 0.1% |
| China | $38K | 0.1% |
| Thailand | $37K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.15 per kg, 25% above the world average of $0.12. 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 iron ore pellets exports (HS 2601.12): 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 2601.12: Iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites).
Common questions
What is the value of iron ore pellets exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported iron ore pellets worth $34.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 227.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 89 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 99% on 2023.
Which countries buy iron ore pellets from South Africa?
Serbia was the largest buyer with 96% of the value ($33.3 million), followed by the United States (1%) and Spain (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 206% on the year.
What is the average export price of iron ore pellets per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.15 per kg in 2024, 25% above the world average of $0.12 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of iron ore pellets from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.32 billion in 2017 to $34.7 million in 2024, a fall of 97%. The peak was 2019 at $3.70 billion. Over 8 years the average was $2.09 billion a year.
What is the HS code for iron ore pellets?
The HS code for iron ore pellets is subheading 2601.12. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2601 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.
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