Lithium oxide and hydroxide imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of lithium oxide and hydroxide by South Africa reached $3.0 million in 2024 (136 tonnes). That is 49% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $7.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.0M | 136 t |
| 2023 | $5.9M | 125 t |
| 2022 | $7.8M | 252 t |
| 2021 | $2.4M | 266 t |
| 2020 | $2.6M | 359 t |
| 2019 | $4.1M | 393 t |
| 2018 | $3.9M | 320 t |
| 2017 | $4.5M | 393 t |
Where South Africa imports lithium oxide and hydroxide from
Chile alone supplied 72% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Chile | $2.2M | 72% |
| Netherlands | $419K | 14% |
| United States | $322K | 11% |
| China | $56K | 1.9% |
| Czech Republic | $43K | 1.4% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| Poland | $0K | 0% |
| Canada | $0K | 0% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $22.20 per kg, 50% above the world average of $14.80. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lithium oxide and hydroxide imports (HS 2825.20): 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 2825.20: Lithium oxide and hydroxide.
Common questions
What is the value of lithium oxide and hydroxide imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lithium oxide and hydroxide worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 136 tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 99 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 49% on 2023.
Which countries supply lithium oxide and hydroxide to South Africa?
Chile was the largest supplier with 72% of the value ($2.2 million), followed by the Netherlands (14%) and the United States (11%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 10 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 97% on the year.
What is the average import price of lithium oxide and hydroxide per kg?
The average declared import value was about $22.20 per kg in 2024, 50% above the world average of $14.80 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of lithium oxide and hydroxide to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.5 million in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, a fall of 33%. The peak was 2022 at $7.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for lithium oxide and hydroxide?
The HS code for lithium oxide and hydroxide is subheading 2825.20. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2825 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World lithium oxide and hydroxide trade: top importers and exporters
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