Quicklime imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported quicklime worth $12.6 million (41.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 16% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $12.6M | 41.5K t |
| 2023 | $15.0M | 50.1K t |
| 2022 | $12.3M | 38.2K t |
| 2021 | $8.9M | 43.7K t |
| 2020 | $7.6M | 44.2K t |
| 2019 | $9.1M | 54.3K t |
| 2018 | $8.7M | 65.1K t |
| 2017 | $8.4M | 46.6K t |
Where South Africa imports quicklime from
The largest suppliers were Portugal (46%), India (12%), Romania (11%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+101% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | $5.8M | 46% |
| India | $1.5M | 12% |
| Romania | $1.4M | 11% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 9.2% |
| Malaysia | $744K | 5.9% |
| Slovakia | $720K | 5.7% |
| Thailand | $660K | 5.2% |
| Belgium | $292K | 2.3% |
| Poland | $108K | 0.9% |
| United Kingdom | $73K | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 2522
| 2522.10 | Quicklime: excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825 | 96% |
| 2522.20 | Slaked lime: excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825 | 3.8% |
| 2522.30 | Hydraulic lime: excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825 | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2522.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.30 per kg, 100% above the world average of $0.15. 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.
Quicklime exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $6.5 million of quicklime in 2024 (37.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (33%), Zimbabwe (32%), Eswatini (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+135% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.1M | 33% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.0M | 32% |
| Eswatini | $1.2M | 19% |
| Mozambique | $590K | 9.1% |
| Botswana | $275K | 4.2% |
| France | $90K | 1.4% |
| Sierra Leone | $47K | 0.7% |
| Mauritius | $44K | 0.7% |
| Lesotho | $38K | 0.6% |
| Malawi | $16K | 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 2522: Quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime; other than calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825.
Common questions
What is the value of quicklime imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported quicklime worth $12.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 41.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 190 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply quicklime to South Africa?
Portugal was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($5.8 million), followed by India (12%) and Romania (11%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 101% on the year.
What is the average import price of quicklime per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.30 per kg in 2024, 100% above the world average of $0.15 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 quicklime to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.4 million in 2017 to $12.6 million in 2024, an increase of 50%. The peak was 2023 at $15.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export quicklime?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for quicklime?
The HS code for quicklime is heading 2522. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2522.10 (96% of the value) and 2522.20 (4%). 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 2522 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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