Niobium ore exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported niobium ore worth $625.8 million (592.4 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 93 countries for exports of this product. That is 7% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $625.8M | 592.4K t |
| 2023 | $583.2M | 478.5K t |
| 2022 | $627.5M | 403.9K t |
| 2021 | $417.3M | 336.5K t |
| 2020 | $434.2M | 328.6K t |
| 2019 | $481.3M | 366.5K t |
| 2018 | $494.6M | 399.8K t |
| 2017 | $369.1M | 444.5K t |
Where South Africa exports niobium ore to
One buyer market dominates: China accounted for 62% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+90% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $387.3M | 62% |
| Malaysia | $38.4M | 6.1% |
| India | $33.0M | 5.3% |
| Netherlands | $32.8M | 5.2% |
| Spain | $31.0M | 5% |
| United States | $26.3M | 4.2% |
| Brazil | $18.5M | 3% |
| Italy | $17.5M | 2.8% |
| France | $9.6M | 1.5% |
| Taiwan | $4.6M | 0.7% |
Product types under HS 2615
| 2615.10 | Zirconium ores and concentrates | 99% |
| 2615.90 | Niobium, tantalum, vanadium ores and concentrates | 0.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2615.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.06 per kg, close to the world average of $1.31.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Niobium ore imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $683 thousand of niobium ore in 2024 (296 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Vietnam accounted for 99% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | $679K | 99% |
| United Kingdom | $3K | 0.4% |
| China | $1K | 0.1% |
| Egypt | $0K | 0.1% |
| Mozambique | $0K | 0% |
| Italy | $0K | 0% |
| Ethiopia | $0K | 0% |
| Malaysia | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Madagascar | $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 2615: Niobium, tantalum, vanadium or zirconium ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of niobium ore exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported niobium ore worth $625.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 592.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 93 countries worldwide, with 29% of world exports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries buy niobium ore from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 62% of the value ($387.3 million), followed by Malaysia (6%) and India (5%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 37 buyer countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 90% on the year.
What is the average export price of niobium ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.06 per kg in 2024, 19% below the world average of $1.31 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 niobium ore from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $369.1 million in 2017 to $625.8 million in 2024, an increase of 70%. The peak was 2022 at $627.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import niobium ore?
Yes. South Africa imported $683 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Vietnam, the United Kingdom and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $625.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for niobium ore?
The HS code for niobium ore is heading 2615. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2615.10 (99% of the value) and 2615.90 (1%). It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2615 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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