Mixed nitrogen fertilizer exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $59.7 million of mixed nitrogen fertilizer in 2024 (100.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 100 countries. Value fell 30% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $106.0 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 | $59.7M | 100.1K t |
| 2023 | $84.8M | 133.3K t |
| 2022 | $95.8M | 114.3K t |
| 2021 | $75.0M | 124.7K t |
| 2020 | $36.6M | 83.4K t |
| 2019 | $32.6M | 65.3K t |
| 2018 | $106.0M | 124.4K t |
| 2017 | $60.6M | 135.6K t |
Where South Africa exports mixed nitrogen fertilizer to
Zambia alone took 65% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+86% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $38.8M | 65% |
| Botswana | $6.4M | 11% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.7M | 6.2% |
| Namibia | $3.3M | 5.6% |
| Mozambique | $2.4M | 3.9% |
| Eswatini | $1.6M | 2.7% |
| Lesotho | $1.2M | 2% |
| DR Congo | $1.1M | 1.8% |
| Mauritius | $417K | 0.7% |
| Senegal | $380K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.60 per kg, 28% above the world average of $0.47. 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.
Mixed nitrogen fertilizer imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported mixed nitrogen fertilizer worth $9.4 million (14.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: Finland accounted for 51% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+46% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | $4.8M | 51% |
| Spain | $2.8M | 30% |
| United Kingdom | $716K | 7.6% |
| United States | $515K | 5.5% |
| China | $195K | 2.1% |
| India | $114K | 1.2% |
| Israel | $75K | 0.8% |
| Botswana | $48K | 0.5% |
| Italy | $42K | 0.4% |
| Malaysia | $30K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa mixed nitrogen fertilizer exports (HS 3102.90): 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 3102.90: Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, other kinds including mixtures not specified in the foregoing subheadings.
Common questions
What is the value of mixed nitrogen fertilizer exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported mixed nitrogen fertilizer worth $59.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 100.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 100 countries worldwide, with 7% of world exports. The value was down 30% on 2023.
Which countries buy mixed nitrogen fertilizer from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 65% of the value ($38.8 million), followed by Botswana (11%) and Zimbabwe (6%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 26 buyer countries in total. Senegal grew fastest among the top ten, up 284% on the year.
What is the average export price of mixed nitrogen fertilizer per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.60 per kg in 2024, 28% above the world average of $0.47 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of mixed nitrogen fertilizer from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $60.6 million in 2017 to $59.7 million in 2024, a fall of 1%. The peak was 2018 at $106.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $68.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also import mixed nitrogen fertilizer?
Yes. South Africa imported $9.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Finland, Spain and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $50.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for mixed nitrogen fertilizer?
The HS code for mixed nitrogen fertilizer is subheading 3102.90. It sits in HS chapter 31 (fertilizers). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3102 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 mixed nitrogen fertilizer trade: top importers and exporters
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