Manganese ore exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of manganese ore by South Africa reached $3.16 billion in 2024 (24.36 million tonnes). That makes it the largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 84 countries. That is 15% more 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 | $3.16B | 24.36M t |
| 2023 | $2.76B | 22.36M t |
| 2022 | $3.05B | 21.19M t |
| 2021 | $2.87B | 22.07M t |
| 2020 | $2.53B | 20.00M t |
| 2019 | $3.22B | 19.53M t |
| 2018 | $3.59B | 17.63M t |
| 2017 | $2.61B | 15.89M t |
Where South Africa exports manganese ore to
China alone took 58% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.83B | 58% |
| India | $576.4M | 18% |
| Japan | $122.3M | 3.9% |
| Malaysia | $115.1M | 3.6% |
| Norway | $103.7M | 3.3% |
| Singapore | $101.2M | 3.2% |
| Latvia | $59.2M | 1.9% |
| South Korea | $47.1M | 1.5% |
| Indonesia | $42.5M | 1.3% |
| France | $30.9M | 1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.13 per kg, close to the world average of $0.15.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Manganese ore imports to South Africa
Imports of manganese ore by South Africa reached $4.9 million in 2024 (53.0 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Zambia accounted for 100% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Zambia grew fastest (+130% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $4.9M | 100% |
| DR Congo | $4K | 0.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $4K | 0.1% |
| Spain | $1K | 0% |
| Turkey | $1K | 0% |
| Morocco | $1K | 0% |
| Cameroon | $0K | 0% |
| Botswana | $0K | 0% |
| Kazakhstan | $0K | 0% |
| Kenya | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 2602: Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and concentrates with a manganese content of 20% or more, calculated on the dry weight.
Common questions
What is the value of manganese ore exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported manganese ore worth $3.16 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 24.36 million tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 84 countries worldwide, with 49% of world exports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries buy manganese ore from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 58% of the value ($1.83 billion), followed by India (18%) and Japan (4%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 47 buyer countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 120% on the year.
What is the average export price of manganese ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.13 per kg in 2024, 13% below the world average of $0.15 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of manganese ore from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.61 billion in 2017 to $3.16 billion in 2024, an increase of 21%. The peak was 2018 at $3.59 billion. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import manganese ore?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zambia, the DR Congo and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.16 billion a year.
What is the HS code for manganese ore?
The HS code for manganese ore is heading 2602. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2602.00. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2602 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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