Mineral substances exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of mineral substances by South Africa reached $123.2 million in 2024 (1.14 million tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 175 countries. Value fell 27% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $168.2 million.
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 | $123.2M | 1.14M t |
| 2023 | $168.2M | 679.0K t |
| 2022 | $97.5M | 253.5K t |
| 2021 | $82.7M | 273.1K t |
| 2020 | $52.4M | 166.2K t |
| 2019 | $88.1M | 250.0K t |
| 2018 | $107.5M | 295.2K t |
| 2017 | $90.4M | 252.0K t |
Where South Africa exports mineral substances to
China alone took 52% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $64.6M | 52% |
| Mozambique | $18.0M | 15% |
| South Korea | $8.5M | 6.9% |
| Japan | $5.5M | 4.5% |
| United States | $4.6M | 3.8% |
| Australia | $2.8M | 2.3% |
| United Kingdom | $2.6M | 2.1% |
| Spain | $2.1M | 1.7% |
| Austria | $1.5M | 1.2% |
| Taiwan | $1.4M | 1.2% |
Product types under HS 2530
| 2530.90 | Mineral substances: n.e.c. in chapter 25 | 62% |
| 2530.10 | Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites: unexpanded | 38% |
| 2530.20 | Kieserite, epsomite (natural magnesium sulphates) | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2530.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.11 per kg, 66% below the world average of $0.32, 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 substances imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $10.8 million of mineral substances in 2024 (26.8 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Zimbabwe (29%), Spain (19%), United States (16%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+504% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $3.2M | 30% |
| Spain | $2.0M | 19% |
| United States | $1.7M | 16% |
| Turkey | $1.3M | 12% |
| Germany | $878K | 8.2% |
| China | $523K | 4.9% |
| Vietnam | $330K | 3.1% |
| Slovakia | $193K | 1.8% |
| Kenya | $123K | 1.1% |
| Czech Republic | $100K | 0.9% |
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 2530: Mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included.
Common questions
What is the value of mineral substances exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported mineral substances worth $123.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.14 million tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 175 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was down 27% on 2023.
Which countries buy mineral substances from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 52% of the value ($64.6 million), followed by Mozambique (15%) and South Korea (7%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 62 buyer countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 142% on the year.
What is the average export price of mineral substances per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.11 per kg in 2024, 66% below the world average of $0.32 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 mineral substances from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $90.4 million in 2017 to $123.2 million in 2024, an increase of 36%. The peak was 2023 at $168.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import mineral substances?
Yes. South Africa imported $10.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, Spain and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $112.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for mineral substances?
The HS code for mineral substances is heading 2530. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2530.90 (62% of the value) and 2530.10 (38%). It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2530 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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