Nitrates (non-potassium) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $7.2 million of nitrates (non-potassium) in 2024 (14.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 19% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $32.5 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7.2M | 14.5K t |
| 2023 | $7.1M | 18.0K t |
| 2022 | $15.7M | 20.1K t |
| 2021 | $21.5M | 68.7K t |
| 2020 | $16.8M | 33.5K t |
| 2019 | $7.6M | 24.1K t |
| 2018 | $27.6M | 57.5K t |
| 2017 | $32.5M | 60.0K t |
Where South Africa imports nitrates (non-potassium) from
The largest suppliers were China (37%), United Kingdom (37%), Germany (22%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+160% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.7M | 37% |
| United Kingdom | $2.7M | 37% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 22% |
| Egypt | $101K | 1.4% |
| Italy | $101K | 1.4% |
| Israel | $71K | 1% |
| United States | $16K | 0.2% |
| India | $14K | 0.2% |
| Switzerland | $5K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $5K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.50 per kg, close to the world average of $0.59.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Nitrates (non-potassium) exports from South Africa
Exports of nitrates (non-potassium) by South Africa reached $5.0 million in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Ghana (20%), Argentina (16%), Namibia (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+181% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana | $971K | 20% |
| Argentina | $773K | 16% |
| Namibia | $764K | 15% |
| Burkina Faso | $636K | 13% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $468K | 9.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $255K | 5.2% |
| Netherlands | $215K | 4.3% |
| Italy | $186K | 3.8% |
| Kenya | $167K | 3.4% |
| Mauritania | $135K | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa nitrates (non-potassium) imports (HS 2834.29): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 2834.29: Nitrates: of other than potassium.
Common questions
What is the value of nitrates (non-potassium) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported nitrates (non-potassium) worth $7.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 175 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply nitrates (non-potassium) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($2.7 million), followed by the United Kingdom (37%) and Germany (22%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 160% on the year.
What is the average import price of nitrates (non-potassium) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.50 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $0.59 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of nitrates (non-potassium) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $32.5 million in 2017 to $7.2 million in 2024, a fall of 78%. The peak was 2017 at $32.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $17.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export nitrates (non-potassium)?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ghana, Argentina and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for nitrates (non-potassium)?
The HS code for nitrates (non-potassium) is subheading 2834.29. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2834 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World nitrates (non-potassium) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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