Iron pyrites exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported iron pyrites worth $4.5 million (2.8 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 70 countries. Value rose 1012% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 78% 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 | $4.5M | 2.8K t |
| 2023 | $401K | 858 t |
| 2022 | $207K | 377 t |
| 2021 | $141K | 419 t |
| 2020 | $58K | 290 t |
| 2019 | $93K | 322 t |
| 2018 | $78K | 236 t |
| 2017 | $78K | 254 t |
Where South Africa exports iron pyrites to
One buyer market dominates: China accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+119% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.5M | 56% |
| Australia | $1.4M | 30% |
| United States | $501K | 11% |
| Brazil | $61K | 1.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $16K | 0.4% |
| Chile | $11K | 0.3% |
| Kenya | $9K | 0.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.60 per kg, 452% above the world average of $0.29. 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?
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 2502: Iron pyrites; unroasted.
Common questions
What is the value of iron pyrites exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported iron pyrites worth $4.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 70 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports.
Which countries buy iron pyrites from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 56% of the value ($2.5 million), followed by Australia (30%) and the United States (11%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 9 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 119% on the year.
What is the average export price of iron pyrites per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.60 per kg in 2024, 452% above the world average of $0.29 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 iron pyrites from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $78 thousand in 2017 to $4.5 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for iron pyrites?
The HS code for iron pyrites is heading 2502. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2502.00. It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2502 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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