Nickel ore exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of nickel ore by South Africa reached $55.6 million in 2024 (35.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 36% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 18% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $224.6 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 | $55.6M | 35.2K t |
| 2023 | $86.2M | 17.8K t |
| 2022 | $42.3M | 4.1K t |
| 2021 | $97.9M | 62.8K t |
| 2020 | $65.5M | 88.3K t |
| 2019 | $43.7M | 71.9K t |
| 2018 | $63.1M | 79.1K t |
| 2017 | $224.6M | 210.2K t |
Where South Africa exports nickel ore to
One buyer market dominates: Finland accounted for 99% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Finland grew fastest (+61% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | $55.2M | 99% |
| China | $367K | 0.7% |
| Netherlands | $31K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $21K | 0% |
| Japan | $4K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $3K | 0% |
| DR Congo | $3K | 0% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $0K | 0% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.58 per kg, 1656% above the world average of $0.09. 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 ore imports to South Africa
Imports of nickel ore by South Africa reached $1.9 million in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Netherlands alone supplied 100% of it. Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+61% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $1.9M | 100% |
| Zimbabwe | $3K | 0.2% |
| Canada | $1K | 0.1% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $1K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $1K | 0% |
| Austria | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Finland | $0K | 0% |
| Brazil | $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 2604: Nickel ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of nickel ore exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported nickel ore worth $55.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 35.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 59 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 36% on 2023.
Which countries buy nickel ore from South Africa?
Finland was the largest buyer with 99% of the value ($55.2 million), followed by China (1%) and the Netherlands (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 11 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 780% on the year.
What is the average export price of nickel ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.58 per kg in 2024, 1656% above the world average of $0.09 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 ore from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $224.6 million in 2017 to $55.6 million in 2024, a fall of 75%. The peak was 2017 at $224.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import nickel ore?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the Netherlands, Zimbabwe and Canada. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $53.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for nickel ore?
The HS code for nickel ore is heading 2604. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2604.00. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2604 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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