Precious metal ore exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $1.09 billion of precious metal ore in 2024 (16.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 6th of 117 countries for exports of this product. That is 14% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $2.02 billion.
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 | $1.09B | 16.3K t |
| 2023 | $1.27B | 17.6K t |
| 2022 | $2.02B | 10.6K t |
| 2021 | $1.83B | 9.7K t |
| 2020 | $1.00B | 11.2K t |
| 2019 | $471.8M | 10.2K t |
| 2018 | $404.2M | 12.2K t |
| 2017 | $332.5M | 19.4K t |
Where South Africa exports precious metal ore to
One buyer market dominates: Germany accounted for 59% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+599% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $641.5M | 59% |
| United Kingdom | $360.5M | 33% |
| China | $55.6M | 5.1% |
| Taiwan | $29.3M | 2.7% |
| Belgium | $7.0M | 0.6% |
| Italy | $294K | 0% |
| Ghana | $149K | 0% |
| United States | $24K | 0% |
| Botswana | $4K | 0% |
| Saudi Arabia | $3K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2616
| 2616.90 | Precious metal ores and concentrates: (excluding silver) | 100% |
| 2616.10 | Silver ores and concentrates | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2616.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $67.23 per kg, 1593% above the world average of $3.97. 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 ore imports to South Africa
Imports of precious metal ore by South Africa reached $2.8 million in 2024 (37 tonnes). United States alone supplied 97% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.7M | 97% |
| Canada | $83K | 2.9% |
| United Kingdom | $13K | 0.5% |
| Mali | $1K | 0% |
| Burkina Faso | $0K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $0K | 0% |
| Angola | $0K | 0% |
| Austria | $0K | 0% |
| Australia | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 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 2616: Precious metal ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of precious metal ore exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported precious metal ore worth $1.09 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 16.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 117 countries worldwide, with 6% of world exports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries buy precious metal ore from South Africa?
Germany was the largest buyer with 59% of the value ($641.5 million), followed by the United Kingdom (33%) and China (5%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 21 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 599% on the year.
What is the average export price of precious metal ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $67.23 per kg in 2024, 1593% above the world average of $3.97 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 ore from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $332.5 million in 2017 to $1.09 billion in 2024, an increase of 229%. The peak was 2022 at $2.02 billion. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import precious metal ore?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.09 billion a year.
What is the HS code for precious metal ore?
The HS code for precious metal ore is heading 2616. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2616.90 (100% of the value) and 2616.10 (0%). It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2616 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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