Platinum scrap and waste exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported platinum scrap and waste worth $89.1 million (230 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. Value fell 10% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 22% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $796.8 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 | $89.1M | 230 t |
| 2023 | $99.5M | 185 t |
| 2022 | $155.4M | 131 t |
| 2021 | $796.8M | 10.5K t |
| 2020 | $796.2M | 15.9K t |
| 2019 | $93.0M | 139 t |
| 2018 | $352.8M | 18.4K t |
| 2017 | $21.9M | 113 t |
Where South Africa exports platinum scrap and waste to
One buyer market dominates: Belgium accounted for 65% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+195% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $57.5M | 65% |
| Germany | $21.0M | 24% |
| United Kingdom | $4.4M | 4.9% |
| Japan | $2.6M | 2.9% |
| Spain | $1.6M | 1.9% |
| United States | $1.4M | 1.6% |
| Austria | $601K | 0.7% |
| Australia | $15K | 0% |
| Lithuania | $4K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $386.87 per kg, 169% above the world average of $143.68. 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 scrap and waste imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported platinum scrap and waste worth $7.6 million (323 tonnes). United States alone supplied 100% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $7.6M | 100% |
| Belgium | $2K | 0% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa platinum scrap and waste exports (HS 7112.92): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 7112.92: Waste and scrap of precious metals: of platinum, including metal clad with platinum but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals.
Common questions
What is the value of platinum scrap and waste exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported platinum scrap and waste worth $89.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 230 tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 132 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries buy platinum scrap and waste from South Africa?
Belgium was the largest buyer with 65% of the value ($57.5 million), followed by Germany (24%) and the United Kingdom (5%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 9 buyer countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 876% on the year.
What is the average export price of platinum scrap and waste per kg?
The average declared export value was about $386.87 per kg in 2024, 169% above the world average of $143.68 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of platinum scrap and waste from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $21.9 million in 2017 to $89.1 million in 2024, an increase of 307%. The peak was 2021 at $796.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $300.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import platinum scrap and waste?
Yes. South Africa imported $7.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, Belgium and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $81.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for platinum scrap and waste?
The HS code for platinum scrap and waste is subheading 7112.92. 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 7112 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World platinum scrap and waste trade: top importers and exporters
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.