Laboratory and agricultural ceramics imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported laboratory and agricultural ceramics worth $67.1 million (8.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 36% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 13% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $225.0 million.
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 | $67.1M | 8.0K t |
| 2023 | $104.2M | 8.5K t |
| 2022 | $130.1M | 13.1K t |
| 2021 | $170.5M | 13.1K t |
| 2020 | $139.8M | 10.9K t |
| 2019 | $225.0M | 18.3K t |
| 2018 | $215.9M | 18.6K t |
| 2017 | $173.2M | 13.9K t |
Where South Africa imports laboratory and agricultural ceramics from
The largest suppliers were China (46%), Germany (14%), United States (14%). Among the main suppliers, Hungary grew fastest (+446% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $31.1M | 46% |
| Germany | $9.7M | 14% |
| United States | $9.1M | 14% |
| Poland | $7.8M | 12% |
| Belgium | $2.9M | 4.3% |
| South Korea | $2.3M | 3.4% |
| Hungary | $1.8M | 2.6% |
| Japan | $821K | 1.2% |
| Netherlands | $401K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $224K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 6909
| 6909.19 | Ceramic wares: for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, other than articles having a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale or… | 90% |
| 6909.12 | Ceramic wares: for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, articles having a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale | 4.5% |
| 6909.90 | Ceramic wares: pots, jars and similar articles of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods and ceramic troughs, tubs and similar… | 2.8% |
| 6909.11 | Ceramic wares: for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, of porcelain or china | 2.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6909.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.34 per kg, 31% below the world average of $12.10, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Laboratory and agricultural ceramics exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported laboratory and agricultural ceramics worth $29.0 million (1.4 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United States (47%), Poland (9%), Germany (8%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $13.8M | 48% |
| Poland | $2.6M | 9.1% |
| Germany | $2.4M | 8.3% |
| North Macedonia | $2.2M | 7.6% |
| Algeria | $1.5M | 5% |
| Netherlands | $1.2M | 4.3% |
| Argentina | $803K | 2.8% |
| Botswana | $803K | 2.8% |
| China | $647K | 2.2% |
| Zambia | $559K | 1.9% |
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 6909: Ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical, other technical uses; ceramic troughs, tubs, similar receptacles used in agriculture; ceramic pots, jars and similar used in the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of laboratory and agricultural ceramics imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported laboratory and agricultural ceramics worth $67.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 201 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 36% on 2023.
Which countries supply laboratory and agricultural ceramics to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($31.1 million), followed by Germany (14%) and the United States (14%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 43 supplier countries in total. Hungary grew fastest among the top ten, up 446% on the year.
What is the average import price of laboratory and agricultural ceramics per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.34 per kg in 2024, 31% below the world average of $12.10 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 laboratory and agricultural ceramics to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $173.2 million in 2017 to $67.1 million in 2024, a fall of 61%. The peak was 2019 at $225.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export laboratory and agricultural ceramics?
Yes. South Africa exported $29.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Poland and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $38.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for laboratory and agricultural ceramics?
The HS code for laboratory and agricultural ceramics is heading 6909. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6909.19 (90% of the value) and 6909.12 (4%). It sits in HS chapter 69 (ceramic products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6909 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.
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