Rare gases excluding argon exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $17.0 million of rare gases excluding argon in 2024 (360 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 149% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 35% 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 | $17.0M | 360 t |
| 2023 | $6.8M | 320 t |
| 2022 | $1.5M | 575 t |
| 2021 | $6.4M | 93 t |
| 2020 | $5.8M | 55 t |
| 2019 | $3.7M | 111 t |
| 2018 | $3.0M | 198 t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 498 t |
Where South Africa exports rare gases excluding argon to
France alone took 91% of it. Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+310% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $15.5M | 91% |
| Nigeria | $524K | 3.1% |
| Namibia | $336K | 2% |
| Botswana | $195K | 1.1% |
| Mozambique | $121K | 0.7% |
| Lesotho | $101K | 0.6% |
| Zambia | $69K | 0.4% |
| Eswatini | $54K | 0.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $30K | 0.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $22K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $47.28 per kg, 32% below the world average of $70.01, 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.
Rare gases excluding argon imports to South Africa
Imports of rare gases excluding argon by South Africa reached $9.8 million in 2024 (13 tonnes). Most of the value came from Qatar (28%), United States (25%), Algeria (24%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Qatar | $2.8M | 28% |
| United States | $2.5M | 25% |
| Algeria | $2.3M | 24% |
| China | $1.1M | 11% |
| Germany | $432K | 4.4% |
| Malaysia | $236K | 2.4% |
| India | $214K | 2.2% |
| Hong Kong | $121K | 1.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $45K | 0.5% |
| France | $44K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa rare gases excluding argon exports (HS 2804.29): 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 2804.29: Gases, rare: other than argon.
Common questions
What is the value of rare gases excluding argon exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported rare gases excluding argon worth $17.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 360 tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 116 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 149% on 2023.
Which countries buy rare gases excluding argon from South Africa?
France was the largest buyer with 91% of the value ($15.5 million), followed by Nigeria (3%) and Namibia (2%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 27 buyer countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 310% on the year.
What is the average export price of rare gases excluding argon per kg?
The average declared export value was about $47.28 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $70.01 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of rare gases excluding argon from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $17.0 million in 2024, an increase of 731%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $5.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also import rare gases excluding argon?
Yes. South Africa imported $9.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Qatar, the United States and Algeria. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $7.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for rare gases excluding argon?
The HS code for rare gases excluding argon is subheading 2804.29. 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 2804 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World rare gases excluding argon trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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