NPK fertilizer (compound) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $26.6 million of npk fertilizer (compound) in 2024 (38.8 thousand tonnes). That is 14% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 15% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $84.4 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 | $26.6M | 38.8K t |
| 2023 | $30.7M | 42.0K t |
| 2022 | $41.0M | 40.9K t |
| 2021 | $28.7M | 30.4K t |
| 2020 | $61.0M | 62.0K t |
| 2019 | $59.9M | 61.9K t |
| 2018 | $32.9M | 41.3K t |
| 2017 | $84.4M | 100.4K t |
Where South Africa exports npk fertilizer (compound) to
Most of it went to Eswatini (35%), Zambia (19%), United States (11%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+910% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $9.2M | 35% |
| Zambia | $5.0M | 19% |
| United States | $3.1M | 12% |
| Botswana | $1.5M | 5.5% |
| DR Congo | $1.4M | 5.2% |
| Lesotho | $1.4M | 5.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $569K | 2.1% |
| Australia | $544K | 2.1% |
| Malawi | $468K | 1.8% |
| Chile | $410K | 1.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.68 per kg, 28% above the world average of $0.53. 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.
NPK fertilizer (compound) imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported npk fertilizer (compound) worth $3.7 million (3.4 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from France (28%), Australia (13%), Israel (13%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+135% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $1.0M | 28% |
| Australia | $482K | 13% |
| Israel | $477K | 13% |
| United States | $365K | 9.8% |
| Netherlands | $268K | 7.2% |
| Germany | $262K | 7% |
| Italy | $258K | 6.9% |
| Spain | $243K | 6.5% |
| China | $125K | 3.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $80K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa npk fertilizer (compound) exports (HS 3105.20): 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 3105.20: Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: containing the three fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Common questions
What is the value of npk fertilizer (compound) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported npk fertilizer (compound) worth $26.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 38.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 126 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries buy npk fertilizer (compound) from South Africa?
Eswatini was the largest buyer with 35% of the value ($9.2 million), followed by Zambia (19%) and the United States (11%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 44 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 910% on the year.
What is the average export price of npk fertilizer (compound) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.68 per kg in 2024, 28% above the world average of $0.53 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of npk fertilizer (compound) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $84.4 million in 2017 to $26.6 million in 2024, a fall of 69%. The peak was 2017 at $84.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $45.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import npk fertilizer (compound)?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, Australia and Israel. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $22.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for npk fertilizer (compound)?
The HS code for npk fertilizer (compound) is subheading 3105.20. 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 npk fertilizer (compound) trade: top importers and exporters
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