Laboratory ceramics imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of laboratory ceramics by South Africa reached $16.7 million in 2024 (3.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $16.7M | 3.8K t |
| 2023 | $16.7M | 3.3K t |
| 2022 | $19.8M | 3.9K t |
| 2021 | $18.7M | 3.4K t |
| 2020 | $12.7M | 2.0K t |
| 2019 | $15.9M | 3.8K t |
| 2018 | $16.8M | 3.5K t |
| 2017 | $13.9M | 2.7K t |
Where South Africa imports laboratory ceramics from
The largest suppliers were India (21%), China (19%), Germany (16%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+263% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.5M | 21% |
| China | $3.2M | 20% |
| Germany | $2.6M | 16% |
| Poland | $2.4M | 15% |
| United States | $2.0M | 12% |
| Switzerland | $620K | 3.7% |
| Italy | $570K | 3.4% |
| Japan | $522K | 3.1% |
| United Kingdom | $243K | 1.5% |
| Czech Republic | $237K | 1.4% |
Product types under HS 6903
| 6903.20 | Refractory ceramic goods: containing by weight more than 50% of alumina or of a mixture or compound of alumina and of silica, excluding those of… | 47% |
| 6903.90 | Refractory ceramic goods: composition of which n.e.c. in heading no. 6903, other than those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths | 46% |
| 6903.10 | Refractory ceramic goods: containing by weight more than 50% of graphite or other forms of carbon or of a mixture of these products, excluding those… | 7.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6903.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.44 per kg, 29% below the world average of $6.21, 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 ceramics exports from South Africa
Exports of laboratory ceramics by South Africa reached $5.1 million in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to United States (29%), Zimbabwe (17%), Mozambique (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+136% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.4M | 29% |
| Zimbabwe | $839K | 17% |
| Mozambique | $382K | 7.6% |
| Japan | $317K | 6.3% |
| Namibia | $272K | 5.4% |
| Tanzania | $247K | 4.9% |
| Ghana | $230K | 4.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | $190K | 3.8% |
| Senegal | $135K | 2.7% |
| Guinea | $132K | 2.6% |
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 6903: Ceramic goods; (e.g. retorts, crucibles, muffles, nozzles, plugs, supports cupels, tubes, pipes, sheaths, rods and slide gates) excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or of similar siliceous earths.
Common questions
What is the value of laboratory ceramics imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported laboratory ceramics worth $16.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 198 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply laboratory ceramics to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($3.5 million), followed by China (19%) and Germany (16%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 40 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 263% on the year.
What is the average import price of laboratory ceramics per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.44 per kg in 2024, 29% below the world average of $6.21 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 ceramics to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.9 million in 2017 to $16.7 million in 2024, an increase of 20%. The peak was 2022 at $19.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export laboratory ceramics?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for laboratory ceramics?
The HS code for laboratory ceramics is heading 6903. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6903.20 (47% of the value) and 6903.90 (46%). It sits in HS chapter 69 (ceramic products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6903 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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