Mineral and carbon products imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of mineral and carbon products by South Africa reached $35.3 million in 2024 (12.3 thousand tonnes). Value fell 21% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $68.4 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 | $35.3M | 12.3K t |
| 2023 | $45.0M | 11.4K t |
| 2022 | $50.2M | 16.6K t |
| 2021 | $68.4M | 18.9K t |
| 2020 | $44.8M | 12.5K t |
| 2019 | $44.2M | 17.1K t |
| 2018 | $34.6M | 15.6K t |
| 2017 | $32.1M | 14.9K t |
Where South Africa imports mineral and carbon products from
Most of the value came from China (26%), Germany (15%), India (10%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+395% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.4M | 27% |
| Germany | $5.4M | 15% |
| India | $3.5M | 10% |
| France | $2.9M | 8.2% |
| United States | $2.8M | 7.8% |
| Spain | $1.4M | 4% |
| Austria | $1.3M | 3.6% |
| Poland | $1.3M | 3.6% |
| Sweden | $1.0M | 2.9% |
| Netherlands | $939K | 2.7% |
Product types under HS 6815
| 6815.99 | Stone articles and articles of other mineral substances: n.e.c. or included in heading no. 6815 | 52% |
| 6815.91 | Stone articles and articles of other mineral substances: containing magnesite, dolomite or chromite | 29% |
| 6815.10 | Stone articles and articles of other mineral substances: non-electrical articles of graphite or other carbon | 20% |
| 6815.20 | Peat: articles of peat n.e.c. or included | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6815.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.87 per kg, 53% below the world average of $6.07, 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.
Mineral and carbon products exports from South Africa
Exports of mineral and carbon products by South Africa reached $8.1 million in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (16%), Ireland (12%), United Kingdom (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 36%. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+370% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $1.3M | 16% |
| Ireland | $956K | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $636K | 7.8% |
| India | $563K | 6.9% |
| Australia | $459K | 5.7% |
| United States | $450K | 5.5% |
| Netherlands | $308K | 3.8% |
| Iraq | $290K | 3.6% |
| Sweden | $250K | 3.1% |
| Zambia | $202K | 2.5% |
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 6815: Stone or other mineral substances; articles thereof (including carbon fibres, articles of carbon fibres and articles of peat), not elsewhere specified or included.
Common questions
What is the value of mineral and carbon products imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported mineral and carbon products worth $35.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply mineral and carbon products to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($9.4 million), followed by Germany (15%) and India (10%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 78 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 395% on the year.
What is the average import price of mineral and carbon products per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.87 per kg in 2024, 53% below the world average of $6.07 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 imports of mineral and carbon products to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $32.1 million in 2017 to $35.3 million in 2024, an increase of 10%. The peak was 2021 at $68.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export mineral and carbon products?
Yes. South Africa exported $8.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Ireland and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $27.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for mineral and carbon products?
The HS code for mineral and carbon products is heading 6815. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6815.99 (52% of the value) and 6815.91 (29%). It sits in HS chapter 68 (stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6815 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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