Magnesite refractory bricks imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported magnesite refractory bricks worth $38.0 million (24.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $50.5 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $38.0M | 24.6K t |
| 2023 | $37.7M | 22.8K t |
| 2022 | $50.5M | 32.8K t |
| 2021 | $30.2M | 32.3K t |
| 2020 | $26.3M | 29.7K t |
| 2019 | $38.0M | 28.5K t |
| 2018 | $40.9M | 29.9K t |
| 2017 | $29.5M | 27.5K t |
Where South Africa imports magnesite refractory bricks from
China alone supplied 63% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+63% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $24.1M | 63% |
| Austria | $9.1M | 24% |
| Germany | $2.0M | 5.3% |
| India | $1.4M | 3.8% |
| Spain | $880K | 2.3% |
| France | $191K | 0.5% |
| Slovakia | $91K | 0.2% |
| Japan | $74K | 0.2% |
| United States | $24K | 0.1% |
| Poland | $9K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.54 per kg, 33% above the world average of $1.16. 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.
Magnesite refractory bricks exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported magnesite refractory bricks worth $6.3 million (3.8 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (31%), China (11%), Zambia (9%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.0M | 31% |
| China | $711K | 11% |
| Zambia | $596K | 9.4% |
| United Kingdom | $479K | 7.6% |
| Brazil | $443K | 7% |
| Oman | $359K | 5.7% |
| Indonesia | $354K | 5.6% |
| Mozambique | $234K | 3.7% |
| Angola | $196K | 3.1% |
| Sweden | $151K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa magnesite refractory bricks imports (HS 6902.10): 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 6902.10: Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods: containing by weight, singly or together, more than 50% of the elements Mg, Ca or Cr, expressed as MgO, CaO or Cr2o3.
Common questions
What is the value of magnesite refractory bricks imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported magnesite refractory bricks worth $38.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 24.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 175 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply magnesite refractory bricks to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 63% of the value ($24.1 million), followed by Austria (24%) and Germany (5%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 546% on the year.
What is the average import price of magnesite refractory bricks per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.54 per kg in 2024, 33% above the world average of $1.16 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of magnesite refractory bricks to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $29.5 million in 2017 to $38.0 million in 2024, an increase of 29%. The peak was 2022 at $50.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $36.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export magnesite refractory bricks?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, China and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $31.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for magnesite refractory bricks?
The HS code for magnesite refractory bricks is subheading 6902.10. It sits in HS chapter 69 (ceramic products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6902 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 magnesite refractory bricks trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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