Potassium sulphate fertilizer imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of potassium sulphate fertilizer by South Africa reached $60.3 million in 2024 (120.0 thousand tonnes). It ranks 3rd of 164 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 152% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% a year on average.
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 | $60.3M | 120.0K t |
| 2023 | $23.9M | 39.4K t |
| 2022 | $47.9M | 59.9K t |
| 2021 | $39.0M | 99.4K t |
| 2020 | $26.7M | 62.1K t |
| 2019 | $35.5M | 75.7K t |
| 2018 | $23.4M | 48.0K t |
| 2017 | $22.3M | 48.1K t |
Where South Africa imports potassium sulphate fertilizer from
Most of the value came from Germany (38%), China (23%), Belgium (16%). Among the main suppliers, Saudi Arabia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $22.9M | 38% |
| China | $14.0M | 23% |
| Belgium | $9.4M | 16% |
| Egypt | $5.1M | 8.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $3.4M | 5.6% |
| Taiwan | $1.5M | 2.5% |
| Russia | $1.4M | 2.3% |
| Turkey | $968K | 1.6% |
| Israel | $654K | 1.1% |
| Uzbekistan | $585K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.50 per kg, 28% below the world average of $0.69, 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.
Potassium sulphate fertilizer exports from South Africa
Exports of potassium sulphate fertilizer by South Africa reached $11.7 million in 2024 (15.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Zambia (49%), Zimbabwe (46%), Eswatini (2%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+294% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $5.8M | 49% |
| Zimbabwe | $5.4M | 46% |
| Eswatini | $214K | 1.8% |
| DR Congo | $89K | 0.8% |
| Botswana | $67K | 0.6% |
| Mozambique | $52K | 0.5% |
| Namibia | $48K | 0.4% |
| Sierra Leone | $25K | 0.2% |
| Mauritius | $9K | 0.1% |
| Madagascar | $8K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa potassium sulphate fertilizer imports (HS 3104.30): 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 3104.30: Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: potassic, potassium sulphate.
Common questions
What is the value of potassium sulphate fertilizer imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported potassium sulphate fertilizer worth $60.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 120.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 164 countries worldwide, with 5% of world imports. The value was up 152% on 2023.
Which countries supply potassium sulphate fertilizer to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($22.9 million), followed by China (23%) and Belgium (16%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 377% on the year.
What is the average import price of potassium sulphate fertilizer per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.50 per kg in 2024, 28% below the world average of $0.69 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 sulphate fertilizer to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $22.3 million in 2017 to $60.3 million in 2024, an increase of 171%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $34.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export potassium sulphate fertilizer?
Yes. South Africa exported $11.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $48.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for potassium sulphate fertilizer?
The HS code for potassium sulphate fertilizer is subheading 3104.30. It sits in HS chapter 31 (fertilizers). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3104 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
World potassium sulphate fertilizer trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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