Molybdates imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of molybdates by South Africa reached $2.8 million in 2024 (126 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 34% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $4.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.8M | 126 t |
| 2023 | $4.2M | 185 t |
| 2022 | $2.0M | 109 t |
| 2021 | $3.5M | 255 t |
| 2020 | $1.2M | 114 t |
| 2019 | $1.6M | 126 t |
| 2018 | $1.6M | 145 t |
| 2017 | $1.5M | 169 t |
Where South Africa imports molybdates from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 90% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.5M | 90% |
| China | $186K | 6.8% |
| Brazil | $68K | 2.5% |
| Netherlands | $8K | 0.3% |
| United States | $6K | 0.2% |
| France | $6K | 0.2% |
| Belgium | $4K | 0.1% |
| Japan | $2K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $1K | 0.1% |
| Thailand | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $21.84 per kg, close to the world average of $22.80.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Molybdates exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported molybdates worth $232 thousand (57 tonnes). Most of it went to DR Congo (33%), Zimbabwe (28%), United States (10%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $77K | 33% |
| Zimbabwe | $66K | 28% |
| United States | $24K | 10% |
| Mozambique | $23K | 9.9% |
| Zambia | $20K | 8.6% |
| Australia | $12K | 5.3% |
| Botswana | $5K | 1.9% |
| Namibia | $2K | 0.9% |
| Tanzania | $2K | 0.8% |
| Spain | $1K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa molybdates imports (HS 2841.70): 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 2841.70: Salts: molybdates.
Common questions
What is the value of molybdates imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported molybdates worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 126 tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 157 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 34% on 2023.
Which countries supply molybdates to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 90% of the value ($2.5 million), followed by China (7%) and Brazil (2%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 515% on the year.
What is the average import price of molybdates per kg?
The average declared import value was about $21.84 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $22.80 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of molybdates to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.5 million in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024, an increase of 86%. The peak was 2023 at $4.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export molybdates?
Yes. South Africa exported $232 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for molybdates?
The HS code for molybdates is subheading 2841.70. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2841 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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