Refractory ceramics (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $7.7 million of refractory ceramics (other) in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $10.4 million.
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 | $7.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $7.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $9.7M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $10.4M | 2.0K t |
| 2020 | $6.1M | 1.0K t |
| 2019 | $7.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $8.9M | 2.0K t |
| 2017 | $6.6M | 1.5K t |
Where South Africa imports refractory ceramics (other) from
Most of the value came from China (27%), Germany (20%), Poland (19%). Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+641% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.1M | 27% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 20% |
| Poland | $1.4M | 19% |
| India | $1000K | 13% |
| United States | $555K | 7.2% |
| Switzerland | $369K | 4.8% |
| Japan | $217K | 2.8% |
| Italy | $180K | 2.4% |
| United Kingdom | $146K | 1.9% |
| Singapore | $36K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.85 per kg, close to the world average of $8.17.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Refractory ceramics (other) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.6 million of refractory ceramics (other) in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (31%), Mozambique (13%), Tanzania (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Senegal grew fastest (+203% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $825K | 31% |
| Mozambique | $345K | 13% |
| Tanzania | $238K | 9.1% |
| Ghana | $221K | 8.4% |
| Namibia | $182K | 6.9% |
| Guinea | $125K | 4.8% |
| Senegal | $98K | 3.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $88K | 3.4% |
| DR Congo | $73K | 2.8% |
| Mauritania | $55K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa refractory ceramics (other) imports (HS 6903.90): 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 6903.90: Refractory ceramic goods: composition of which n.e.c. in heading no. 6903, other than those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths.
Common questions
What is the value of refractory ceramics (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported refractory ceramics (other) worth $7.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 189 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply refractory ceramics (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by Germany (20%) and Poland (19%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 641% on the year.
What is the average import price of refractory ceramics (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.85 per kg in 2024, 16% below the world average of $8.17 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of refractory ceramics (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.6 million in 2017 to $7.7 million in 2024, an increase of 16%. The peak was 2021 at $10.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export refractory ceramics (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Tanzania. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for refractory ceramics (other)?
The HS code for refractory ceramics (other) is subheading 6903.90. It sits in HS chapter 69 (ceramic products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6903 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 refractory ceramics (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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