Lead ore exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of lead ore by South Africa reached $114.9 million in 2024 (63.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. That is 20% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $114.9M | 63.2K t |
| 2023 | $95.6M | 72.0K t |
| 2022 | $109.2M | 57.0K t |
| 2021 | $73.8M | 50.1K t |
| 2020 | $45.7M | 39.9K t |
| 2019 | $112.5M | 73.5K t |
| 2018 | $85.7M | 54.6K t |
| 2017 | $137.5M | 74.1K t |
Where South Africa exports lead ore to
The largest buyer markets were South Korea (40%), Germany (20%), Slovakia (16%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $46.3M | 40% |
| Germany | $22.7M | 20% |
| Slovakia | $18.1M | 16% |
| Belgium | $17.5M | 15% |
| China | $10.4M | 9% |
| India | $50K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Turkey | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.82 per kg, close to the world average of $1.93.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lead ore imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $634 thousand of lead ore in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Nigeria accounted for 100% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $633K | 100% |
| India | $1K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
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 2607: Lead ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of lead ore exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported lead ore worth $114.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 63.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 86 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 20% on 2023.
Which countries buy lead ore from South Africa?
South Korea was the largest buyer with 40% of the value ($46.3 million), followed by Germany (20%) and Slovakia (16%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 8 buyer countries in total.
What is the average export price of lead ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.82 per kg in 2024, 6% below the world average of $1.93 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 lead ore from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $137.5 million in 2017 to $114.9 million in 2024, a fall of 16%. The peak was 2017 at $137.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import lead ore?
Yes. South Africa imported $634 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Nigeria, India and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $114.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for lead ore?
The HS code for lead ore is heading 2607. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2607.00. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2607 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
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.