Refined lead ingots exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported refined lead ingots worth $39.7 million (17.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 18% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 17% 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 | $39.7M | 17.1K t |
| 2023 | $33.6M | 15.4K t |
| 2022 | $28.0M | 13.0K t |
| 2021 | $16.6M | 7.0K t |
| 2020 | $17.6M | 8.6K t |
| 2019 | $17.3M | 7.9K t |
| 2018 | $19.0M | 7.6K t |
| 2017 | $13.2M | 5.4K t |
Where South Africa exports refined lead ingots to
The largest buyer markets were Singapore (30%), Brazil (28%), Botswana (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Tunisia grew fastest (+193% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | $12.1M | 31% |
| Brazil | $11.3M | 29% |
| Botswana | $6.0M | 15% |
| Tunisia | $4.4M | 11% |
| Bulgaria | $2.2M | 5.5% |
| India | $1.3M | 3.3% |
| Greece | $606K | 1.5% |
| Djibouti | $451K | 1.1% |
| China | $435K | 1.1% |
| Pakistan | $332K | 0.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.33 per kg, close to the world average of $2.23.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Refined lead ingots imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $11.2 million of refined lead ingots in 2024 (4.5 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Kazakhstan (39%), Japan (20%), South Korea (16%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | $4.4M | 39% |
| Japan | $2.2M | 20% |
| South Korea | $1.8M | 16% |
| Turkey | $1.6M | 14% |
| Zimbabwe | $427K | 3.8% |
| China | $398K | 3.6% |
| Belgium | $159K | 1.4% |
| Singapore | $105K | 0.9% |
| Germany | $59K | 0.5% |
| United States | $3K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa refined lead ingots exports (HS 7801.10): 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 7801.10: Lead: unwrought, refined.
Common questions
What is the value of refined lead ingots exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported refined lead ingots worth $39.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 17.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 110 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 18% on 2023.
Which countries buy refined lead ingots from South Africa?
Singapore was the largest buyer with 30% of the value ($12.1 million), followed by Brazil (28%) and Botswana (15%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 18 buyer countries in total. Tunisia grew fastest among the top ten, up 193% on the year.
What is the average export price of refined lead ingots per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.33 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.23 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of refined lead ingots from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $13.2 million in 2017 to $39.7 million in 2024, an increase of 201%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $23.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import refined lead ingots?
Yes. South Africa imported $11.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Kazakhstan, Japan and South Korea. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $28.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for refined lead ingots?
The HS code for refined lead ingots is subheading 7801.10. It sits in HS chapter 78 (lead and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7801 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 refined lead ingots trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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