Kaolin imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of kaolin by South Africa reached $8.4 million in 2024 (16.7 thousand tonnes). Value rose 23% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8.4M | 16.7K t |
| 2023 | $6.8M | 14.1K t |
| 2022 | $6.2M | 12.8K t |
| 2021 | $6.3M | 16.8K t |
| 2020 | $4.2M | 10.4K t |
| 2019 | $4.5M | 12.4K t |
| 2018 | $5.1M | 13.3K t |
| 2017 | $4.8M | 10.8K t |
Where South Africa imports kaolin from
The largest suppliers were United States (48%), China (25%), India (9%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+136% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.0M | 48% |
| China | $2.1M | 25% |
| India | $770K | 9.2% |
| United Kingdom | $528K | 6.3% |
| Egypt | $295K | 3.5% |
| France | $277K | 3.3% |
| Portugal | $148K | 1.8% |
| Belgium | $125K | 1.5% |
| Kenya | $82K | 1% |
| Spain | $25K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.50 per kg, 150% above the world average of $0.20. 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.
Kaolin exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported kaolin worth $1.0 million (10.1 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Slovakia (41%), Mozambique (25%), Zimbabwe (22%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+330% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Slovakia | $428K | 41% |
| Mozambique | $261K | 25% |
| Zimbabwe | $228K | 22% |
| Zambia | $32K | 3.1% |
| Malawi | $30K | 2.9% |
| Botswana | $26K | 2.5% |
| Namibia | $23K | 2.2% |
| Indonesia | $13K | 1.2% |
| Eswatini | $3K | 0.3% |
| Italy | $1K | 0.1% |
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 2507: Kaolin and other kaolinic clays; whether or not calcined.
Common questions
What is the value of kaolin imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported kaolin worth $8.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 16.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 182 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply kaolin to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 48% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by China (25%) and India (9%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 136% on the year.
What is the average import price of kaolin per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.50 per kg in 2024, 150% above the world average of $0.20 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 imports of kaolin to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.8 million in 2017 to $8.4 million in 2024, an increase of 74%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export kaolin?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Slovakia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for kaolin?
The HS code for kaolin is heading 2507. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2507.00. 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 2507 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
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