Liquefied natural gas exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $16.9 million of liquefied natural gas in 2024 (13.0 thousand tonnes). Value rose 101% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $44.6 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 | $16.9M | 13.0K t |
| 2023 | $8.4M | 14.6K t |
| 2022 | $11.2M | 18.6K t |
| 2021 | $12.3M | 16.6K t |
| 2020 | $15.6M | 21.0K t |
| 2019 | $17.4M | 21.6K t |
| 2018 | $44.6M | 89.5K t |
| 2017 | $19.2M | 53.0K t |
Where South Africa exports liquefied natural gas to
Lesotho alone took 53% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+504% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $9.0M | 53% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.2M | 19% |
| Eswatini | $2.5M | 15% |
| Namibia | $1.8M | 11% |
| Zambia | $355K | 2.1% |
| Botswana | $16K | 0.1% |
| Mozambique | $9K | 0.1% |
| United States | $5K | 0% |
| DR Congo | $2K | 0% |
| Guinea | $1K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.30 per kg, 128% above the world average of $0.57. 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.
Liquefied natural gas imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported liquefied natural gas worth $400.4 million (2.94 million tonnes). One supplier dominates: Mozambique accounted for 100% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $400.4M | 100% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa liquefied natural gas exports (HS 2711.11): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 2711.11: Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons: liquefied, natural gas.
Common questions
What is the value of liquefied natural gas exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported liquefied natural gas worth $16.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 82 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 101% on 2023.
Which countries buy liquefied natural gas from South Africa?
Lesotho was the largest buyer with 53% of the value ($9.0 million), followed by Zimbabwe (19%) and Eswatini (15%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 13 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 504% on the year.
What is the average export price of liquefied natural gas per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.30 per kg in 2024, 128% above the world average of $0.57 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of liquefied natural gas from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $19.2 million in 2017 to $16.9 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2018 at $44.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $18.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import liquefied natural gas?
Yes. South Africa imported $400.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Mozambique and Namibia. That compares with exports of $16.9 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for liquefied natural gas?
The HS code for liquefied natural gas is subheading 2711.11. It sits in HS chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2711 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World liquefied natural gas trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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