Limestone exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $3.1 million of limestone in 2024 (49.2 thousand tonnes). That is 18% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $4.7 million.
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 | $3.1M | 49.2K t |
| 2023 | $2.6M | 38.9K t |
| 2022 | $1.8M | 45.8K t |
| 2021 | $1.4M | 23.3K t |
| 2020 | $1.4M | 31.9K t |
| 2019 | $2.0M | 59.0K t |
| 2018 | $2.4M | 81.3K t |
| 2017 | $4.7M | 78.8K t |
Where South Africa exports limestone to
One buyer market dominates: Botswana accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+319% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.7M | 56% |
| Zimbabwe | $430K | 14% |
| Madagascar | $261K | 8.5% |
| Mozambique | $193K | 6.3% |
| Eswatini | $162K | 5.3% |
| Namibia | $116K | 3.8% |
| Zambia | $74K | 2.4% |
| Lesotho | $49K | 1.6% |
| Malawi | $48K | 1.6% |
| Mauritius | $4K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.06 per kg, 200% above the world average of $0.02. 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.
Limestone imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $285 thousand of limestone in 2024 (4.5 thousand tonnes). Zimbabwe alone supplied 86% of it. Among the main suppliers, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+35% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $246K | 86% |
| Vietnam | $14K | 5% |
| Zambia | $11K | 3.9% |
| India | $5K | 1.9% |
| Egypt | $4K | 1.5% |
| United States | $3K | 0.9% |
| China | $1K | 0.3% |
| Belgium | $1K | 0.2% |
| Australia | $0K | 0.1% |
| Ghana | $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 2521: Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement.
Common questions
What is the value of limestone exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported limestone worth $3.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 49.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 121 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 18% on 2023.
Which countries buy limestone from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 56% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by Zimbabwe (14%) and Madagascar (9%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 15 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 319% on the year.
What is the average export price of limestone per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.06 per kg in 2024, 200% above the world average of $0.02 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 limestone from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.7 million in 2017 to $3.1 million in 2024, a fall of 34%. The peak was 2017 at $4.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import limestone?
Yes. South Africa imported $285 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, Vietnam and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for limestone?
The HS code for limestone is heading 2521. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2521.00. 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 2521 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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