Lithium primary batteries exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $11.3 million of lithium primary batteries in 2024 (149 tonnes). That is 5% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 27% a year on average.
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 | $11.3M | 149 t |
| 2023 | $11.9M | 163 t |
| 2022 | $5.1M | 161 t |
| 2021 | $4.0M | 154 t |
| 2020 | $2.8M | 85 t |
| 2019 | $2.9M | 155 t |
| 2018 | $2.9M | 69 t |
| 2017 | $2.1M | 50 t |
Where South Africa exports lithium primary batteries to
Most of it went to Zambia (35%), Malawi (16%), Namibia (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+700% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $3.9M | 35% |
| Malawi | $1.8M | 16% |
| Namibia | $1.6M | 14% |
| United Arab Emirates | $921K | 8.1% |
| Botswana | $578K | 5.1% |
| Tanzania | $347K | 3.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $328K | 2.9% |
| Mozambique | $327K | 2.9% |
| DR Congo | $286K | 2.5% |
| United States | $226K | 2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $75.98 per kg, 58% above the world average of $47.98. 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.
Lithium primary batteries imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported lithium primary batteries worth $6.0 million (256 tonnes). Most of the value came from China (30%), Singapore (16%), Hong Kong (14%). Among the main suppliers, Denmark grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.8M | 30% |
| Singapore | $943K | 16% |
| Hong Kong | $817K | 14% |
| United States | $572K | 9.5% |
| France | $445K | 7.4% |
| Denmark | $324K | 5.4% |
| United Kingdom | $185K | 3.1% |
| Germany | $160K | 2.7% |
| Philippines | $88K | 1.5% |
| Taiwan | $78K | 1.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lithium primary batteries exports (HS 8506.50): 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 8506.50: Cells and batteries: primary, lithium.
Common questions
What is the value of lithium primary batteries exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported lithium primary batteries worth $11.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 149 tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 156 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries buy lithium primary batteries from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 35% of the value ($3.9 million), followed by Malawi (16%) and Namibia (14%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 74 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 700% on the year.
What is the average export price of lithium primary batteries per kg?
The average declared export value was about $75.98 per kg in 2024, 58% above the world average of $47.98 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of lithium primary batteries from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.1 million in 2017 to $11.3 million in 2024, an increase of 438%. The peak was 2023 at $11.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import lithium primary batteries?
Yes. South Africa imported $6.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Singapore and Hong Kong. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for lithium primary batteries?
The HS code for lithium primary batteries is subheading 8506.50. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8506 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 primary batteries trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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