Nitrogen compound imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of nitrogen compound by South Africa reached $46.7 million in 2024 (21.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 23% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $61.6 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 | $46.7M | 21.5K t |
| 2023 | $60.9M | 23.4K t |
| 2022 | $58.2M | 21.6K t |
| 2021 | $45.2M | 19.6K t |
| 2020 | $32.7M | 19.3K t |
| 2019 | $39.6M | 20.6K t |
| 2018 | $61.6M | 22.2K t |
| 2017 | $49.0M | 24.3K t |
Where South Africa imports nitrogen compound from
Most of the value came from China (45%), Germany (20%), Saudi Arabia (18%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $21.1M | 45% |
| Germany | $9.5M | 20% |
| Saudi Arabia | $8.3M | 18% |
| South Korea | $2.5M | 5.3% |
| Hungary | $1.1M | 2.5% |
| Thailand | $961K | 2.1% |
| Singapore | $940K | 2% |
| Japan | $625K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $622K | 1.3% |
| United States | $483K | 1% |
Product types under HS 2929
| 2929.10 | Nitrogen-function compounds: n.e.c. in chapter 29, isocyanates | 66% |
| 2929.90 | Nitrogen-function compounds: n.e.c. in chapter 29, excluding isocyanates | 34% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2929.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.17 per kg, close to the world average of $2.54.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Nitrogen compound exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $11.0 million of nitrogen compound in 2024 (3.0 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Turkey (35%), Zambia (18%), DR Congo (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Turkey grew fastest (+177% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $3.8M | 35% |
| Zambia | $1.9M | 18% |
| DR Congo | $1.6M | 14% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.4M | 13% |
| Malawi | $475K | 4.3% |
| Tanzania | $470K | 4.3% |
| Namibia | $340K | 3.1% |
| Kenya | $322K | 2.9% |
| Botswana | $226K | 2.1% |
| China | $125K | 1.1% |
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
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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 2929: Nitrogen-function compounds, n.e.c. in chapter 29.
Common questions
What is the value of nitrogen compound imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported nitrogen compound worth $46.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 21.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 184 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply nitrogen compound to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($21.1 million), followed by Germany (20%) and Saudi Arabia (18%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. Singapore grew fastest among the top ten, up 166% on the year.
What is the average import price of nitrogen compound per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.17 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $2.54 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 imports of nitrogen compound to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $49.0 million in 2017 to $46.7 million in 2024, a fall of 5%. The peak was 2018 at $61.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export nitrogen compound?
Yes. South Africa exported $11.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Turkey, Zambia and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $35.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for nitrogen compound?
The HS code for nitrogen compound is heading 2929. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2929.10 (66% of the value) and 2929.90 (34%). It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2929 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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