Refractory bricks imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $96.9 million of refractory bricks in 2024 (60.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 6% less than in 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 | $96.9M | 60.0K t |
| 2023 | $102.7M | 56.8K t |
| 2022 | $112.3M | 70.2K t |
| 2021 | $85.7M | 66.9K t |
| 2020 | $63.1M | 57.1K t |
| 2019 | $85.9M | 98.9K t |
| 2018 | $110.9M | 196.8K t |
| 2017 | $64.3M | 63.1K t |
Where South Africa imports refractory bricks from
The largest suppliers were China (40%), Japan (11%), Belgium (10%). Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+145% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $38.6M | 40% |
| Japan | $10.3M | 11% |
| Belgium | $9.4M | 9.7% |
| Austria | $9.4M | 9.7% |
| Germany | $9.0M | 9.3% |
| India | $4.8M | 5% |
| Netherlands | $4.1M | 4.3% |
| France | $3.9M | 4% |
| Spain | $2.2M | 2.3% |
| Poland | $1.6M | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 6902
| 6902.10 | Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods: containing by weight, singly or together, more than 50% of the… | 39% |
| 6902.90 | Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods: n.e.c. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 | 35% |
| 6902.20 | Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods: containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of… | 26% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6902.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.62 per kg, 35% above the world average of $1.20. 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.
Refractory bricks exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $23.9 million of refractory bricks in 2024 (12.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Germany (19%), Zimbabwe (16%), United States (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+731% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $4.6M | 19% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.9M | 16% |
| United States | $2.3M | 9.6% |
| Namibia | $1.5M | 6.3% |
| Mozambique | $1.3M | 5.4% |
| Zambia | $1.0M | 4.3% |
| Indonesia | $858K | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $818K | 3.4% |
| Turkey | $754K | 3.2% |
| Brazil | $752K | 3.2% |
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 6902: Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; other than those of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths.
Common questions
What is the value of refractory bricks imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported refractory bricks worth $96.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 60.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 206 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply refractory bricks to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($38.6 million), followed by Japan (11%) and Belgium (10%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 34 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 145% on the year.
What is the average import price of refractory bricks per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.62 per kg in 2024, 35% above the world average of $1.20 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 refractory bricks to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $64.3 million in 2017 to $96.9 million in 2024, an increase of 51%. The peak was 2022 at $112.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export refractory bricks?
Yes. South Africa exported $23.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Zimbabwe and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $73.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for refractory bricks?
The HS code for refractory bricks is heading 6902. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6902.10 (39% of the value) and 6902.90 (35%). It sits in HS chapter 69 (ceramic products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6902 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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