Potassium phosphate imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $6.8 million of potassium phosphate in 2024 (4.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 37% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $16.0 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 | $6.8M | 4.0K t |
| 2023 | $5.0M | 2.8K t |
| 2022 | $16.0M | 9.9K t |
| 2021 | $6.2M | 4.0K t |
| 2020 | $9.1M | 10.4K t |
| 2019 | $5.8M | 4.4K t |
| 2018 | $4.4M | 3.0K t |
| 2017 | $4.8M | 3.4K t |
Where South Africa imports potassium phosphate from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 89% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Israel grew fastest (+326% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.0M | 89% |
| Israel | $544K | 8% |
| Eswatini | $81K | 1.2% |
| Germany | $61K | 0.9% |
| France | $49K | 0.7% |
| Australia | $16K | 0.2% |
| United States | $3K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $3K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $2K | 0% |
| India | $2K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.69 per kg, close to the world average of $1.78.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Potassium phosphate exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported potassium phosphate worth $557 thousand (210 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (39%), Zambia (31%), Kenya (21%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+88% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $215K | 39% |
| Zambia | $172K | 31% |
| Kenya | $119K | 21% |
| Mauritius | $26K | 4.6% |
| Malawi | $9K | 1.6% |
| Lesotho | $5K | 0.9% |
| Eswatini | $4K | 0.8% |
| Botswana | $2K | 0.4% |
| Mozambique | $2K | 0.4% |
| Angola | $1K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa potassium phosphate imports (HS 2835.24): 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 2835.24: Phosphates: of potassium, whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of potassium phosphate imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported potassium phosphate worth $6.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 165 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 37% on 2023.
Which countries supply potassium phosphate to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 89% of the value ($6.0 million), followed by Israel (8%) and Eswatini (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. Israel grew fastest among the top ten, up 326% on the year.
What is the average import price of potassium phosphate per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.69 per kg in 2024, 5% below the world average of $1.78 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 phosphate to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.8 million in 2017 to $6.8 million in 2024, an increase of 41%. The peak was 2022 at $16.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export potassium phosphate?
Yes. South Africa exported $557 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for potassium phosphate?
The HS code for potassium phosphate is subheading 2835.24. 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 2835 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World potassium phosphate trade: top importers and exporters
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