Natural bitumen exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported natural bitumen worth $14.9 million (20.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 3%. That is 10% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $23.6 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 | $14.9M | 20.7K t |
| 2023 | $13.5M | 17.3K t |
| 2022 | $23.6M | 22.5K t |
| 2021 | $15.6M | 23.7K t |
| 2020 | $9.3M | 21.5K t |
| 2019 | $17.4M | 30.9K t |
| 2018 | $14.6M | 25.7K t |
| 2017 | $7.8M | 20.8K t |
Where South Africa exports natural bitumen to
Most of it went to Botswana (42%), Namibia (23%), Zimbabwe (23%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+50% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $6.2M | 42% |
| Namibia | $3.5M | 23% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.4M | 23% |
| DR Congo | $541K | 3.6% |
| Lesotho | $502K | 3.4% |
| Mozambique | $265K | 1.8% |
| Nigeria | $242K | 1.6% |
| Zambia | $88K | 0.6% |
| Eswatini | $84K | 0.6% |
| Ghana | $68K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 2714
| 2714.90 | Bitumen and asphalt, natural: asphaltites and asphaltic rock | 98% |
| 2714.10 | Bituminous or oil shale and tar sands | 2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2714.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.72 per kg, 80% above the world average of $0.40. 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.
Natural bitumen imports to South Africa
Imports of natural bitumen by South Africa reached $596 thousand in 2024 (802 tonnes). Most of the value came from United Arab Emirates (42%), Malaysia (35%), United States (19%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $251K | 42% |
| Malaysia | $208K | 35% |
| United States | $115K | 19% |
| Iraq | $14K | 2.3% |
| Greece | $4K | 0.7% |
| Romania | $2K | 0.3% |
| Lesotho | $1K | 0.2% |
| Pakistan | $1K | 0.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1K | 0.1% |
| India | $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 2714: Bitumen and asphalt, natural; bituminous or oil shale and tar sands; asphaltites and asphaltic rocks.
Common questions
What is the value of natural bitumen exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported natural bitumen worth $14.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 20.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 122 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries buy natural bitumen from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 42% of the value ($6.2 million), followed by Namibia (23%) and Zimbabwe (23%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 23 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 196% on the year.
What is the average export price of natural bitumen per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.72 per kg in 2024, 80% above the world average of $0.40 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 natural bitumen from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $7.8 million in 2017 to $14.9 million in 2024, an increase of 92%. The peak was 2022 at $23.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import natural bitumen?
Yes. South Africa imported $596 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $14.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for natural bitumen?
The HS code for natural bitumen is heading 2714. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2714.90 (98% of the value) and 2714.10 (2%). It sits in HS chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2714 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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