Potassium carbonate imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported potassium carbonate worth $4.2 million (4.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 12% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $8.1 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.2M | 4.8K t |
| 2023 | $4.8M | 4.4K t |
| 2022 | $8.1M | 4.9K t |
| 2021 | $4.1M | 4.7K t |
| 2020 | $4.3M | 5.5K t |
| 2019 | $3.6M | 3.8K t |
| 2018 | $3.9M | 4.4K t |
| 2017 | $3.3M | 3.6K t |
Where South Africa imports potassium carbonate from
China alone supplied 53% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.89 per kg, 30% below the world average of $1.27, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa potassium carbonate imports (HS 2836.40): 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 2836.40: Carbonates: potassium carbonate.
Common questions
What is the value of potassium carbonate imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported potassium carbonate worth $4.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 157 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply potassium carbonate to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 53% of the value ($2.2 million), followed by South Korea (35%) and Germany (4%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 14 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 404% on the year.
What is the average import price of potassium carbonate per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.89 per kg in 2024, 30% below the world average of $1.27 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of potassium carbonate to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.3 million in 2017 to $4.2 million in 2024, an increase of 28%. The peak was 2022 at $8.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for potassium carbonate?
The HS code for potassium carbonate is subheading 2836.40. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2836 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 potassium carbonate trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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