Rare earth compound exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported rare earth compound worth $5.5 million (281 tonnes). That is 13% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
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 | $5.5M | 281 t |
| 2023 | $6.3M | 278 t |
| 2022 | $5.3M | 235 t |
| 2021 | $4.6M | 184 t |
| 2020 | $2.2M | 85 t |
| 2019 | $3.2M | 217 t |
| 2018 | $2.9M | 174 t |
| 2017 | $3.1M | 198 t |
Where South Africa exports rare earth compound to
One buyer market dominates: United States accounted for 82% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.5M | 82% |
| Turkey | $762K | 14% |
| Australia | $81K | 1.5% |
| Japan | $42K | 0.8% |
| North Macedonia | $38K | 0.7% |
| United Kingdom | $16K | 0.3% |
| Thailand | $16K | 0.3% |
| Canada | $13K | 0.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $9K | 0.2% |
| Tanzania | $5K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 2846
| 2846.90 | Compounds, inorganic or organic (excluding cerium), of rare-earth metals, of yttrium, scandium or of mixtures of these metals | 100% |
| 2846.10 | Cerium compounds | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2846.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $19.50 per kg, 53% above the world average of $12.74. 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.
Rare earth compound imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $4.0 million of rare earth compound in 2024 (121 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Estonia accounted for 50% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+85% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Estonia | $2.0M | 51% |
| Japan | $797K | 20% |
| United States | $436K | 11% |
| Malaysia | $358K | 9% |
| Singapore | $115K | 2.9% |
| Austria | $60K | 1.5% |
| China | $54K | 1.4% |
| Germany | $41K | 1.1% |
| Canada | $38K | 1% |
| France | $35K | 0.9% |
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 2846: Compounds, inorganic or organic, of rare-earth metals; of yttrium or of scandium or of mixtures of these metals.
Common questions
What is the value of rare earth compound exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported rare earth compound worth $5.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 281 tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 75 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries buy rare earth compound from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 82% of the value ($4.5 million), followed by Turkey (14%) and Australia (1%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 23 buyer countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 633% on the year.
What is the average export price of rare earth compound per kg?
The average declared export value was about $19.50 per kg in 2024, 53% above the world average of $12.74 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 rare earth compound from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.1 million in 2017 to $5.5 million in 2024, an increase of 78%. The peak was 2023 at $6.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import rare earth compound?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Estonia, Japan and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for rare earth compound?
The HS code for rare earth compound is heading 2846. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2846.90 (100% of the value) and 2846.10 (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 2846 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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