Pumice stone exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $27.4 million of pumice stone in 2024 (134.7 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 5th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 124 countries. That is 37% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 23% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $45.6 million.
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 | $27.4M | 134.7K t |
| 2023 | $43.3M | 203.6K t |
| 2022 | $45.6M | 258.2K t |
| 2021 | $28.2M | 156.5K t |
| 2020 | $14.8M | 52.6K t |
| 2019 | $32.1M | 108.6K t |
| 2018 | $27.2M | 198.6K t |
| 2017 | $6.3M | 41.2K t |
Where South Africa exports pumice stone to
One buyer market dominates: United States accounted for 88% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $24.1M | 88% |
| Malaysia | $774K | 2.8% |
| DR Congo | $562K | 2.1% |
| France | $308K | 1.1% |
| Italy | $253K | 0.9% |
| Brazil | $253K | 0.9% |
| Japan | $169K | 0.6% |
| Denmark | $167K | 0.6% |
| Switzerland | $141K | 0.5% |
| Sweden | $139K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 2513
| 2513.20 | Emery, natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives, whether or not heat-treated | 97% |
| 2513.10 | Pumice stone, whether or not heat treated | 2.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2513.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.20 per kg, 25% above the world average of $0.16. 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.
Pumice stone imports to South Africa
Imports of pumice stone by South Africa reached $491 thousand in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: India accounted for 61% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $300K | 61% |
| Turkey | $60K | 12% |
| China | $48K | 9.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $29K | 6% |
| United States | $21K | 4.3% |
| Germany | $10K | 2% |
| United Kingdom | $8K | 1.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $7K | 1.5% |
| Slovenia | $5K | 1.1% |
| Japan | $1K | 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 2513: Pumice stone; emery; natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives, whether or not heat treated.
Common questions
What is the value of pumice stone exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported pumice stone worth $27.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 134.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 124 countries worldwide, with 7% of world exports. The value was down 37% on 2023.
Which countries buy pumice stone from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 88% of the value ($24.1 million), followed by Malaysia (3%) and the DR Congo (2%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 37 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 253% on the year.
What is the average export price of pumice stone per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.20 per kg in 2024, 25% above the world average of $0.16 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 pumice stone from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $6.3 million in 2017 to $27.4 million in 2024, an increase of 337%. The peak was 2022 at $45.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import pumice stone?
Yes. South Africa imported $491 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, Turkey and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $26.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for pumice stone?
The HS code for pumice stone is heading 2513. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2513.20 (97% of the value) and 2513.10 (3%). It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2513 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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