Nickel alloy ingots exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of nickel alloy ingots by South Africa reached $44.3 million in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 8th of 64 countries for exports of this product. That is 13% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 20% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $297.7 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $44.3M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $50.6M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $81.5M | 2.7K t |
| 2021 | $90.8M | 3.6K t |
| 2020 | $125.2M | 7.2K t |
| 2019 | $161.0M | 8.9K t |
| 2018 | $297.7M | 24.4K t |
| 2017 | $212.9M | 18.8K t |
Where South Africa exports nickel alloy ingots to
The largest buyer markets were China (42%), Italy (12%), United States (12%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $18.6M | 42% |
| Italy | $5.2M | 12% |
| United States | $5.2M | 12% |
| Netherlands | $4.8M | 11% |
| India | $4.2M | 9.4% |
| South Korea | $1.7M | 3.8% |
| United Kingdom | $1.5M | 3.3% |
| France | $720K | 1.6% |
| Japan | $591K | 1.3% |
| Australia | $533K | 1.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $19.31 per kg, 21% below the world average of $24.42, 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.
Nickel alloy ingots imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $241 thousand of nickel alloy ingots in 2024 (58 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 65% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+121% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $156K | 65% |
| Thailand | $68K | 28% |
| United States | $15K | 6.3% |
| Germany | $2K | 0.7% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa nickel alloy ingots exports (HS 7502.20): 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 7502.20: Nickel: unwrought, alloys.
Common questions
What is the value of nickel alloy ingots exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported nickel alloy ingots worth $44.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 64 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries buy nickel alloy ingots from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 42% of the value ($18.6 million), followed by Italy (12%) and the United States (12%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 23 buyer countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 541% on the year.
What is the average export price of nickel alloy ingots per kg?
The average declared export value was about $19.31 per kg in 2024, 21% below the world average of $24.42 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of nickel alloy ingots from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $212.9 million in 2017 to $44.3 million in 2024, a fall of 79%. The peak was 2018 at $297.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $133.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import nickel alloy ingots?
Yes. South Africa imported $241 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Thailand and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $44.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for nickel alloy ingots?
The HS code for nickel alloy ingots is subheading 7502.20. It sits in HS chapter 75 (nickel and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7502 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.
Same product, other countries
World nickel alloy ingots trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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