Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer by South Africa reached $2.2 million in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). Value fell 30% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 28% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $5.2 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 | $2.2M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 2.5K t |
| 2022 | $5.2M | 5.3K t |
| 2021 | $2.1M | 2.9K t |
| 2020 | $840K | 1.0K t |
| 2019 | $560K | 656 t |
| 2018 | $784K | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $391K | 460 t |
Where South Africa imports nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer from
One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 78% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+219% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.8M | 78% |
| China | $326K | 15% |
| Netherlands | $85K | 3.8% |
| Israel | $28K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $26K | 1.2% |
| Spain | $17K | 0.8% |
| India | $1K | 0% |
| Poland | $0K | 0% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.08 per kg, 125% above the world average of $0.48. 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.
Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.7 million of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (24%), Zambia (24%), Mauritius (19%). Among the main buyer markets, Philippines grew fastest (+772% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $417K | 24% |
| Zambia | $413K | 24% |
| Mauritius | $318K | 19% |
| DR Congo | $87K | 5.1% |
| Eswatini | $75K | 4.4% |
| Kenya | $62K | 3.6% |
| Philippines | $62K | 3.6% |
| Namibia | $56K | 3.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $51K | 3% |
| Lesotho | $48K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer imports (HS 3105.59): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 3105.59: Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: containing the two fertilizing elements nitrogen and phosphorus, other than nitrates and phosphates.
Common questions
What is the value of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer worth $2.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 62nd of 162 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 30% on 2023.
Which countries supply nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 78% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by China (15%) and the Netherlands (4%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 10 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 219% on the year.
What is the average import price of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.08 per kg in 2024, 125% above the world average of $0.48 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $391 thousand in 2017 to $2.2 million in 2024, an increase of 471%. The peak was 2022 at $5.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Zambia and Mauritius. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $516 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer?
The HS code for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer is subheading 3105.59. It sits in HS chapter 31 (fertilizers). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3105 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 nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer trade: top importers and exporters
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