Platinum exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $15.78 billion of platinum in 2024 (415 tonnes). It ranks 1st of 98 countries for exports of this product. That is 9% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $25.66 billion.
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 | $15.78B | 415 t |
| 2023 | $14.51B | 354 t |
| 2022 | $20.53B | 349 t |
| 2021 | $25.66B | 336 t |
| 2020 | $12.70B | 265 t |
| 2019 | $10.07B | 302 t |
| 2018 | $10.79B | 377 t |
| 2017 | $9.51B | 375 t |
Where South Africa exports platinum to
The largest buyer markets were Japan (23%), United States (18%), China (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Brazil grew fastest (+78% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $3.57B | 23% |
| United States | $2.88B | 18% |
| China | $2.80B | 18% |
| United Kingdom | $2.11B | 13% |
| Germany | $1.40B | 8.9% |
| Hong Kong | $1.03B | 6.6% |
| South Korea | $484.7M | 3.1% |
| Italy | $446.2M | 2.8% |
| Canada | $445.4M | 2.8% |
| Brazil | $225.3M | 1.4% |
Product types under HS 7110
| 7110.11 | Metals: platinum, unwrought or in powder form | 34% |
| 7110.21 | Metals: palladium, unwrought or in powder form | 21% |
| 7110.31 | Metals: rhodium, unwrought or in powder form | 17% |
| 7110.19 | Metals: platinum, semi-manufactured | 14% |
| 7110.41 | Metals: iridium, osmium, ruthenium, unwrought or in powder form | 7.1% |
| 7110.39 | Metals: rhodium, semi-manufactured | 3.6% |
| 7110.29 | Metals: palladium, semi-manufactured | 2.9% |
| 7110.49 | Metals: iridium, osmium, ruthenium, semi-manufactured | 0.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7110.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $38,011.15 per kg, 20% above the world average of $31,665.54. 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.
Platinum imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported platinum worth $29.6 million (2 tonnes). Most of the value came from Zimbabwe (48%), Germany (25%), Belgium (15%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $14.1M | 48% |
| Germany | $7.5M | 25% |
| Belgium | $4.4M | 15% |
| United States | $2.1M | 7.2% |
| Italy | $736K | 2.5% |
| China | $315K | 1.1% |
| United Kingdom | $246K | 0.8% |
| Switzerland | $168K | 0.6% |
| Ireland | $53K | 0.2% |
| Czech Republic | $29K | 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 7110: Platinum; unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form.
Common questions
What is the value of platinum exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported platinum worth $15.78 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 415 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 98 countries worldwide, with 34% of world exports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries buy platinum from South Africa?
Japan was the largest buyer with 23% of the value ($3.57 billion), followed by the United States (18%) and China (18%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 36 buyer countries in total. Brazil grew fastest among the top ten, up 78% on the year.
What is the average export price of platinum per kg?
The average declared export value was about $38,011.15 per kg in 2024, 20% above the world average of $31,665.54 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 exports of platinum from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $9.51 billion in 2017 to $15.78 billion in 2024, an increase of 66%. The peak was 2021 at $25.66 billion. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import platinum?
Yes. South Africa imported $29.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, Germany and Belgium. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $15.75 billion a year.
What is the HS code for platinum?
The HS code for platinum is heading 7110. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7110.11 (34% of the value) and 7110.21 (21%). It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7110 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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