Processed magnesium sulfate imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $4.9 million of processed magnesium sulfate in 2024 (27.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 45% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% 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 | $4.9M | 27.9K t |
| 2023 | $3.4M | 20.9K t |
| 2022 | $4.4M | 18.7K t |
| 2021 | $4.7M | 25.7K t |
| 2020 | $4.6M | 25.2K t |
| 2019 | $3.0M | 18.1K t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 17.7K t |
| 2017 | $2.6M | 13.6K t |
Where South Africa imports processed magnesium sulfate from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 93% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.5M | 93% |
| India | $126K | 2.6% |
| Germany | $122K | 2.5% |
| Czech Republic | $69K | 1.4% |
| Ireland | $9K | 0.2% |
| Italy | $9K | 0.2% |
| Portugal | $5K | 0.1% |
| United States | $4K | 0.1% |
| Japan | $2K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.18 per kg, 31% below the world average of $0.26, 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.
Processed magnesium sulfate exports from South Africa
Exports of processed magnesium sulfate by South Africa reached $597 thousand in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (48%), Zambia (14%), Namibia (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+469% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $284K | 48% |
| Zambia | $85K | 14% |
| Namibia | $78K | 13% |
| Mauritius | $37K | 6.2% |
| Angola | $34K | 5.7% |
| Botswana | $33K | 5.5% |
| Sierra Leone | $22K | 3.6% |
| Malawi | $12K | 2% |
| Eswatini | $4K | 0.7% |
| Mozambique | $3K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa processed magnesium sulfate imports (HS 2833.21): 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 2833.21: Sulphates: of magnesium.
Common questions
What is the value of processed magnesium sulfate imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported processed magnesium sulfate worth $4.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 27.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 190 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 45% on 2023.
Which countries supply processed magnesium sulfate to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 93% of the value ($4.5 million), followed by India (3%) and Germany (2%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 14 supplier countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 117% on the year.
What is the average import price of processed magnesium sulfate per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.18 per kg in 2024, 31% below the world average of $0.26 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of processed magnesium sulfate to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.6 million in 2017 to $4.9 million in 2024, an increase of 90%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export processed magnesium sulfate?
Yes. South Africa exported $597 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for processed magnesium sulfate?
The HS code for processed magnesium sulfate is subheading 2833.21. 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 2833 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 processed magnesium sulfate trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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