Nickel ingots exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $625.5 million of nickel ingots in 2024 (38.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 10th of 81 countries for exports of this product. Value fell 24% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $876.7 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 | $625.5M | 38.9K t |
| 2023 | $827.9M | 36.7K t |
| 2022 | $876.7M | 36.3K t |
| 2021 | $641.4M | 35.6K t |
| 2020 | $417.2M | 26.2K t |
| 2019 | $571.3M | 32.5K t |
| 2018 | $557.0M | 45.4K t |
| 2017 | $515.4M | 48.5K t |
Where South Africa exports nickel ingots to
Most of it went to Malaysia (30%), Netherlands (19%), Italy (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+353% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $186.3M | 30% |
| Netherlands | $118.8M | 19% |
| Italy | $70.2M | 11% |
| United States | $51.7M | 8.3% |
| Singapore | $36.7M | 5.9% |
| Germany | $32.9M | 5.3% |
| China | $31.6M | 5.1% |
| Brazil | $15.9M | 2.6% |
| India | $12.9M | 2.1% |
| Japan | $12.6M | 2% |
Product types under HS 7502
| 7502.10 | Nickel: unwrought, not alloyed | 93% |
| 7502.20 | Nickel: unwrought, alloys | 7.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7502.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $16.09 per kg, close to the world average of $18.31.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Nickel ingots imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $703 thousand of nickel ingots in 2024 (76 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Israel (27%), Turkey (27%), China (22%). Among the main suppliers, Israel grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Israel | $189K | 27% |
| Turkey | $187K | 27% |
| China | $156K | 22% |
| Thailand | $68K | 9.6% |
| Netherlands | $49K | 6.9% |
| United Kingdom | $31K | 4.4% |
| United States | $15K | 2.2% |
| France | $8K | 1.1% |
| Germany | $2K | 0.2% |
| Belgium | $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 7502: Nickel; unwrought.
Common questions
What is the value of nickel ingots exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported nickel ingots worth $625.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 38.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 81 countries worldwide, with 4% of world exports. The value was down 24% on 2023.
Which countries buy nickel ingots from South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest buyer with 30% of the value ($186.3 million), followed by the Netherlands (19%) and Italy (11%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 41 buyer countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 353% on the year.
What is the average export price of nickel ingots per kg?
The average declared export value was about $16.09 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $18.31 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 nickel ingots from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $515.4 million in 2017 to $625.5 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. The peak was 2022 at $876.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import nickel ingots?
Yes. South Africa imported $703 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Israel, Turkey and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $624.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for nickel ingots?
The HS code for nickel ingots is heading 7502. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7502.10 (93% of the value) and 7502.20 (7%). 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?
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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