Nickel matte exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of nickel matte by South Africa reached $33.9 million in 2024 (2.7 thousand tonnes). That is 4903% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 144% a year on average.
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 | $33.9M | 2.7K t |
| 2023 | $677K | 141 t |
| 2022 | $9.4M | 1.0K t |
| 2021 | $647K | 41 t |
| 2020 | $2.7M | 336 t |
| 2019 | $1.9M | 768 t |
| 2018 | $9.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2017 | $66K | 4 t |
Where South Africa exports nickel matte to
One buyer market dominates: Malaysia accounted for 95% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $32.3M | 95% |
| Norway | $1.2M | 3.4% |
| Thailand | $457K | 1.4% |
| DR Congo | $3K | 0% |
| Botswana | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $0K | 0% |
| Mauritius | $0K | 0% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 7501
| 7501.10 | Nickel: nickel mattes | 100% |
| 7501.20 | Nickel: oxide sinters and other intermediate products of nickel metallurgy | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7501.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.38 per kg, 137% above the world average of $5.22. 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.
Nickel matte imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported nickel matte worth $984.7 million (34.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 80 countries. Zimbabwe alone supplied 100% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $984.7M | 100% |
| Germany | $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 7501: Nickel mattes; nickel oxide sinters and other intermediate products of nickel metallurgy.
Common questions
What is the value of nickel matte exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported nickel matte worth $33.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 62 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports.
Which countries buy nickel matte from South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest buyer with 95% of the value ($32.3 million), followed by Norway (3%) and Thailand (1%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 9 buyer countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 337% on the year.
What is the average export price of nickel matte per kg?
The average declared export value was about $12.38 per kg in 2024, 137% above the world average of $5.22 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 matte from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $66 thousand in 2017 to $33.9 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import nickel matte?
Yes. South Africa imported $984.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe and Germany. That compares with exports of $33.9 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for nickel matte?
The HS code for nickel matte is heading 7501. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7501.10. It sits in HS chapter 75 (nickel and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7501 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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