Rough gemstone diamonds exports from South Africa: data and top buyer countries
In 2024, South Africa exported rough gemstone diamonds worth $918.7 million (1 tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 59 countries. That is 29% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $2.19 billion.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $918.7M | 1 t |
| 2023 | $1.29B | 1 t |
| 2022 | $2.19B | 2 t |
| 2021 | $2.00B | 5 t |
| 2020 | $1.31B | 6 t |
| 2019 | $1.54B | 2 t |
| 2018 | $2.06B | 2 t |
| 2017 | $1.90B | 4 t |
Where South Africa exports rough gemstone diamonds to
The largest buyer markets were United Arab Emirates (44%), Botswana (22%), India (15%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $401.0M | 44% |
| Botswana | $200.4M | 22% |
| India | $139.1M | 15% |
| Belgium | $79.6M | 8.7% |
| China | $31.4M | 3.4% |
| Sri Lanka | $22.0M | 2.4% |
| Israel | $14.5M | 1.6% |
| United States | $11.1M | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $6.1M | 0.7% |
| Armenia | $4.0M | 0.4% |
Rough gemstone diamonds imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $158.4 million of rough gemstone diamonds in 2024. It ranks 9th of 56 countries for imports of this product. Most of the value came from Botswana (50%), Namibia (29%), United Kingdom (6%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+58% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $78.8M | 50% |
| Namibia | $46.6M | 29% |
| United Kingdom | $9.9M | 6.3% |
| Belgium | $6.3M | 4% |
| Israel | $6.2M | 3.9% |
| Angola | $6.0M | 3.8% |
| United States | $1.9M | 1.2% |
| Tanzania | $1.7M | 1.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $364K | 0.2% |
| Bhutan | $344K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa rough gemstone diamonds exports (HS 7102.31): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 7102.31: Diamonds: non-industrial, unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted, but not mounted or set.
Common questions
What is the value of rough gemstone diamonds exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported rough gemstone diamonds worth $918.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1 tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 59 countries worldwide, with 4% of world exports. The value was down 29% on 2023.
Which countries buy rough gemstone diamonds from South Africa?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest buyer with 44% of the value ($401.0 million), followed by Botswana (22%) and India (15%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 123% on the year.
How have exports of rough gemstone diamonds from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.90 billion in 2017 to $918.7 million in 2024, a fall of 52%. The peak was 2022 at $2.19 billion. Over 8 years the average was $1.65 billion a year.
Does South Africa also import rough gemstone diamonds?
Yes. South Africa imported $158.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Botswana, Namibia and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $760.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for rough gemstone diamonds?
The HS code for rough gemstone diamonds is subheading 7102.31. It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7102 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 rough gemstone diamonds trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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