Precious metal catalysts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $166.9 million of precious metal catalysts in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 72% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 26% 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 | $166.9M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $97.1M | 477 t |
| 2022 | $104.5M | 500 t |
| 2021 | $83.4M | 308 t |
| 2020 | $45.7M | 353 t |
| 2019 | $17.9M | 161 t |
| 2018 | $23.1M | 291 t |
| 2017 | $32.8M | 230 t |
Where South Africa imports precious metal catalysts from
Most of the value came from Germany (33%), Netherlands (31%), Poland (20%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $54.9M | 33% |
| Netherlands | $51.1M | 31% |
| Poland | $32.9M | 20% |
| Czech Republic | $8.8M | 5.3% |
| Japan | $8.4M | 5% |
| China | $4.0M | 2.4% |
| United States | $1.8M | 1.1% |
| Argentina | $1.7M | 1% |
| North Macedonia | $1.5M | 0.9% |
| Italy | $535K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $126.28 per kg, close to the world average of $115.03.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Precious metal catalysts exports from South Africa
Exports of precious metal catalysts by South Africa reached $142.6 million in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Germany (49%), Czech Republic (23%), United States (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Czech Republic grew fastest (+210% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $70.4M | 49% |
| Czech Republic | $32.4M | 23% |
| United States | $14.8M | 10% |
| Turkey | $11.6M | 8.1% |
| Nigeria | $6.2M | 4.3% |
| United Kingdom | $3.3M | 2.3% |
| Japan | $2.7M | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $411K | 0.3% |
| Brazil | $409K | 0.3% |
| France | $366K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa precious metal catalysts imports (HS 3815.12): 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 3815.12: Catalysts, supported: reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included.
Common questions
What is the value of precious metal catalysts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported precious metal catalysts worth $166.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 135 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 72% on 2023.
Which countries supply precious metal catalysts to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($54.9 million), followed by the Netherlands (31%) and Poland (20%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 999% on the year.
What is the average import price of precious metal catalysts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $126.28 per kg in 2024, 10% above the world average of $115.03 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of precious metal catalysts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $32.8 million in 2017 to $166.9 million in 2024, an increase of 408%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $71.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export precious metal catalysts?
Yes. South Africa exported $142.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, the Czech Republic and the United States. That compares with imports of $166.9 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for precious metal catalysts?
The HS code for precious metal catalysts is subheading 3815.12. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3815 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 precious metal catalysts trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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