Potassium nitrate imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported potassium nitrate worth $28.4 million (32.8 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 168 countries. Value fell 30% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $45.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $28.4M | 32.8K t |
| 2023 | $40.3M | 26.1K t |
| 2022 | $38.0M | 28.2K t |
| 2021 | $24.4M | 30.1K t |
| 2020 | $23.8M | 36.1K t |
| 2019 | $25.0M | 37.0K t |
| 2018 | $45.2M | 45.1K t |
| 2017 | $16.4M | 20.9K t |
Where South Africa imports potassium nitrate from
One supplier dominates: Chile accounted for 54% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+250% on the year before).
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.87 per kg, close to the world average of $0.94.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Potassium nitrate exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported potassium nitrate worth $754 thousand (597 tonnes). Most of it went to Mauritius (27%), Zimbabwe (21%), Eswatini (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | $203K | 27% |
| Zimbabwe | $160K | 21% |
| Eswatini | $110K | 15% |
| Belgium | $66K | 8.8% |
| Namibia | $59K | 7.9% |
| Zambia | $58K | 7.7% |
| Malawi | $42K | 5.6% |
| Mozambique | $21K | 2.8% |
| Angola | $9K | 1.2% |
| Seychelles | $8K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa potassium nitrate imports (HS 2834.21): 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 2834.21: Nitrates: of potassium.
Common questions
What is the value of potassium nitrate imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported potassium nitrate worth $28.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 32.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 168 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was down 30% on 2023.
Which countries supply potassium nitrate to South Africa?
Chile was the largest supplier with 54% of the value ($15.3 million), followed by China (17%) and Jordan (14%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 288% on the year.
What is the average import price of potassium nitrate per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.87 per kg in 2024, 7% below the world average of $0.94 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of potassium nitrate to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $16.4 million in 2017 to $28.4 million in 2024, an increase of 73%. The peak was 2018 at $45.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $30.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export potassium nitrate?
Yes. South Africa exported $754 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $27.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for potassium nitrate?
The HS code for potassium nitrate is subheading 2834.21. 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 2834 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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