Low silicon ferro-silicon exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $36.7 million of low silicon ferro-silicon in 2024 (29.1 thousand tonnes). It ranks 5th of 69 countries for exports of this product. That is 11% less 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 | $36.7M | 29.1K t |
| 2023 | $41.4M | 31.5K t |
| 2022 | $43.5M | 34.1K t |
| 2021 | $34.4M | 27.2K t |
| 2020 | $30.6M | 28.9K t |
| 2019 | $34.2M | 36.1K t |
| 2018 | $38.6M | 37.2K t |
| 2017 | $28.7M | 27.6K t |
Where South Africa exports low silicon ferro-silicon to
Most of it went to Botswana (16%), Australia (15%), Namibia (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, Italy grew fastest (+255% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $5.7M | 16% |
| Australia | $5.7M | 16% |
| Namibia | $4.6M | 13% |
| Netherlands | $2.7M | 7.4% |
| Angola | $2.5M | 6.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.4M | 6.7% |
| Germany | $1.7M | 4.6% |
| Italy | $1.2M | 3.3% |
| Russia | $976K | 2.7% |
| India | $968K | 2.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.26 per kg, 27% below the world average of $1.73, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Low silicon ferro-silicon imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported low silicon ferro-silicon worth $1.7 million (1.8 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Zimbabwe (26%), China (21%), Thailand (16%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $454K | 26% |
| China | $374K | 21% |
| Thailand | $286K | 16% |
| Zambia | $259K | 15% |
| India | $122K | 7% |
| Bosnia Herzegovina | $50K | 2.9% |
| Norway | $40K | 2.3% |
| Italy | $40K | 2.3% |
| Netherlands | $39K | 2.3% |
| United States | $34K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa low silicon ferro-silicon exports (HS 7202.29): 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 7202.29: Ferro-alloys: ferro-silicon, containing by weight 55% or less of silicon.
Common questions
What is the value of low silicon ferro-silicon exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported low silicon ferro-silicon worth $36.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 29.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 69 countries worldwide, with 6% of world exports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries buy low silicon ferro-silicon from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 16% of the value ($5.7 million), followed by Australia (15%) and Namibia (12%). The top three together account for 44%, out of 36 buyer countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 255% on the year.
What is the average export price of low silicon ferro-silicon per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.26 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $1.73 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of low silicon ferro-silicon from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $28.7 million in 2017 to $36.7 million in 2024, an increase of 28%. The peak was 2022 at $43.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $36.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import low silicon ferro-silicon?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, China and Thailand. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $34.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for low silicon ferro-silicon?
The HS code for low silicon ferro-silicon is subheading 7202.29. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7202 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 low silicon ferro-silicon trade: top importers and exporters
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