Phosphate rock exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $256.3 million of phosphate rock in 2024 (1.14 million tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 90 countries. Value rose 25% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 21% a year on average.
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 | $256.3M | 1.14M t |
| 2023 | $204.4M | 815.2K t |
| 2022 | $242.9M | 864.3K t |
| 2021 | $45.8M | 282.4K t |
| 2020 | $53.5M | 390.3K t |
| 2019 | $119.2M | 913.1K t |
| 2018 | $98.0M | 701.2K t |
| 2017 | $68.7M | 471.5K t |
Where South Africa exports phosphate rock to
One buyer market dominates: Netherlands accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, New Zealand grew fastest (+258% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $132.0M | 52% |
| Lithuania | $35.0M | 14% |
| South Korea | $32.6M | 13% |
| Japan | $30.2M | 12% |
| New Zealand | $9.2M | 3.6% |
| Belgium | $5.2M | 2% |
| Mozambique | $4.5M | 1.8% |
| China | $4.5M | 1.8% |
| Australia | $2.7M | 1.1% |
| Zambia | $142K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 2510
| 2510.10 | Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk: unground | 75% |
| 2510.20 | Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk: ground | 25% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2510.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.22 per kg, 57% above the world average of $0.14. 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.
Phosphate rock imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $6.2 million of phosphate rock in 2024 (36.5 thousand tonnes). Togo alone supplied 97% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Togo | $6.1M | 97% |
| China | $102K | 1.6% |
| Namibia | $49K | 0.8% |
| Germany | $17K | 0.3% |
| Egypt | $10K | 0.2% |
| Australia | $9K | 0.1% |
| United States | $2K | 0% |
| Mozambique | $1K | 0% |
| Italy | $1K | 0% |
| Vietnam | $0K | 0% |
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 2510: Natural calcium phosphates; natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk.
Common questions
What is the value of phosphate rock exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported phosphate rock worth $256.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.14 million tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 90 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was up 25% on 2023.
Which countries buy phosphate rock from South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest buyer with 52% of the value ($132.0 million), followed by Lithuania (14%) and South Korea (13%). The top three together account for 78%, out of 23 buyer countries in total. New Zealand grew fastest among the top ten, up 258% on the year.
What is the average export price of phosphate rock per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.22 per kg in 2024, 57% above the world average of $0.14 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 rock from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $68.7 million in 2017 to $256.3 million in 2024, an increase of 273%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import phosphate rock?
Yes. South Africa imported $6.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Togo, China and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $250.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for phosphate rock?
The HS code for phosphate rock is heading 2510. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2510.10 (75% of the value) and 2510.20 (25%). It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2510 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.