Precious metal compound imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $170.3 million of precious metal compound in 2024 (114 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 33% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $432.3 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 | $170.3M | 114 t |
| 2023 | $255.4M | 121 t |
| 2022 | $432.3M | 70 t |
| 2021 | $191.1M | 65 t |
| 2020 | $288.7M | 78 t |
| 2019 | $177.3M | 74 t |
| 2018 | $157.0M | 54 t |
| 2017 | $103.7M | 52 t |
Where South Africa imports precious metal compound from
Germany alone supplied 76% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $129.4M | 76% |
| United States | $40.0M | 24% |
| Italy | $348K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $311K | 0.2% |
| Israel | $118K | 0.1% |
| France | $64K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $46K | 0% |
| China | $30K | 0% |
| Brazil | $19K | 0% |
| North Macedonia | $19K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2843
| 2843.90 | Inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, n.e.c.: amalgams | 100% |
| 2843.21 | Silver compounds: silver nitrates | 0.2% |
| 2843.30 | Gold compounds | 0.1% |
| 2843.29 | Silver compounds: excluding silver nitrates | 0.1% |
| 2843.10 | Colloidal precious metals: whether or not chemically defined | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2843.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1,500.86 per kg, 48% above the world average of $1,016.15. 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 compound exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $88.3 million of precious metal compound in 2024 (22 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Germany alone took 58% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+38% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $51.0M | 58% |
| United States | $22.1M | 25% |
| United Kingdom | $9.2M | 11% |
| Italy | $2.2M | 2.5% |
| Australia | $994K | 1.1% |
| Ireland | $614K | 0.7% |
| Japan | $594K | 0.7% |
| South Korea | $351K | 0.4% |
| China | $220K | 0.3% |
| Turkey | $193K | 0.2% |
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 2843: Colloidal precious metals; inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, whether or not chemically defined; amalgams of precious metals.
Common questions
What is the value of precious metal compound imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported precious metal compound worth $170.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 114 tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 177 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 33% on 2023.
Which countries supply precious metal compound to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 76% of the value ($129.4 million), followed by the United States (23%) and Italy (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 616% on the year.
What is the average import price of precious metal compound per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1,500.86 per kg in 2024, 48% above the world average of $1,016.15 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 imports of precious metal compound to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $103.7 million in 2017 to $170.3 million in 2024, an increase of 64%. The peak was 2022 at $432.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export precious metal compound?
Yes. South Africa exported $88.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $82.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for precious metal compound?
The HS code for precious metal compound is heading 2843. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2843.90 (100% of the value) and 2843.21 (0%). 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 2843 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.
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