Precious metal articles exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported precious metal articles worth $2.84 billion (42 tonnes). It ranks 1st of 114 countries for exports of this product. Value rose 642% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 133% a year on average.
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 | $2.84B | 42 t |
| 2023 | $382.3M | 25 t |
| 2022 | $248.5M | 37 t |
| 2021 | $93.6M | 22 t |
| 2020 | $1.32B | 44 t |
| 2019 | $11.9M | 21 t |
| 2018 | $6.5M | 11 t |
| 2017 | $7.7M | 20 t |
Where South Africa exports precious metal articles to
United States alone took 96% of it. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+618% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.73B | 96% |
| Canada | $102.0M | 3.6% |
| Namibia | $64K | 0% |
| Belgium | $38K | 0% |
| Botswana | $38K | 0% |
| China | $16K | 0% |
| Guinea | $9K | 0% |
| Tanzania | $9K | 0% |
| Kenya | $7K | 0% |
| Ghana | $3K | 0% |
Product types under HS 7115
| 7115.90 | Metal: precious or metal clad with precious metal, other than that of item no. 7115.10 | 100% |
| 7115.10 | Metal: catalysts in the form of wire cloth or grill, of platinum | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7115.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $68,353.19 per kg, 3084% above the world average of $2,146.67. 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.
Precious metal articles imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported precious metal articles worth $27.0 million (4 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Germany accounted for 96% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+218% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $26.0M | 96% |
| Austria | $361K | 1.3% |
| Norway | $252K | 0.9% |
| Australia | $85K | 0.3% |
| United States | $74K | 0.3% |
| Brazil | $70K | 0.3% |
| France | $60K | 0.2% |
| Thailand | $18K | 0.1% |
| Switzerland | $18K | 0.1% |
| Tanzania | $12K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 7115: Articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal.
Common questions
What is the value of precious metal articles exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported precious metal articles worth $2.84 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 42 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 114 countries worldwide, with 29% of world exports. The value was up 642% on 2023.
Which countries buy precious metal articles from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 96% of the value ($2.73 billion), followed by Canada (4%) and Namibia (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 28 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 618% on the year.
What is the average export price of precious metal articles per kg?
The average declared export value was about $68,353.19 per kg in 2024, 3084% above the world average of $2,146.67 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of precious metal articles from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $7.7 million in 2017 to $2.84 billion in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import precious metal articles?
Yes. South Africa imported $27.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, Austria and Norway. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.81 billion a year.
What is the HS code for precious metal articles?
The HS code for precious metal articles is heading 7115. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7115.90. 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 7115 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Same product, other countries
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.