Phosphate fertilizer exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported phosphate fertilizer worth $9.4 million (27.2 thousand tonnes). That is 203% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $12.1 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 | $9.4M | 27.2K t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 5.2K t |
| 2022 | $3.8M | 3.2K t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 5.9K t |
| 2020 | $3.7M | 7.2K t |
| 2019 | $2.6M | 5.3K t |
| 2018 | $12.1M | 26.8K t |
| 2017 | $11.8M | 53.4K t |
Where South Africa exports phosphate fertilizer to
One buyer market dominates: Romania accounted for 61% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+69% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Romania | $5.8M | 61% |
| Zimbabwe | $931K | 9.9% |
| Eswatini | $706K | 7.5% |
| Mozambique | $559K | 6% |
| Zambia | $482K | 5.1% |
| Namibia | $278K | 3% |
| Lesotho | $267K | 2.9% |
| Angola | $138K | 1.5% |
| DR Congo | $63K | 0.7% |
| New Zealand | $62K | 0.7% |
Product types under HS 3103
| 3103.90 | Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: phosphatic, n.e.c. in heading no. 3103 | 91% |
| 3103.19 | Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: phosphatic, superphosphates, other than containing by weight 35% or more of diphosphorus pentaoxide (P2O5) | 7.4% |
| 3103.11 | Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: phosphatic, superphosphates, containing by weight 35% or more of diphosphorus pentaoxide (P2O5) | 1.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3103.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.34 per kg, close to the world average of $0.35.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Phosphate fertilizer imports to South Africa
Imports of phosphate fertilizer by South Africa reached $7.3 million in 2024 (18.5 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Israel accounted for 58% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Israel | $4.3M | 59% |
| China | $1.5M | 20% |
| Egypt | $1.0M | 14% |
| United States | $253K | 3.5% |
| Australia | $138K | 1.9% |
| Italy | $104K | 1.4% |
| Tanzania | $22K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $11K | 0.2% |
| Mexico | $8K | 0.1% |
| Eswatini | $5K | 0.1% |
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
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 3103: Fertilizers; mineral or chemical, phosphatic.
Common questions
What is the value of phosphate fertilizer exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported phosphate fertilizer worth $9.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 27.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 92 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 203% on 2023.
Which countries buy phosphate fertilizer from South Africa?
Romania was the largest buyer with 61% of the value ($5.8 million), followed by Zimbabwe (10%) and Eswatini (8%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 21 buyer countries in total. Angola grew fastest among the top ten, up 825% on the year.
What is the average export price of phosphate fertilizer per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.34 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $0.35 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 phosphate fertilizer from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $11.8 million in 2017 to $9.4 million in 2024, a fall of 20%. The peak was 2018 at $12.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import phosphate fertilizer?
Yes. South Africa imported $7.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Israel, China and Egypt. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for phosphate fertilizer?
The HS code for phosphate fertilizer is heading 3103. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3103.90 (91% of the value) and 3103.19 (7%). It sits in HS chapter 31 (fertilizers). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3103 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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