Rough gemstones exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported rough gemstones worth $20.2 million (21.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. That is 42% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 16% 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 | $20.2M | 21.1K t |
| 2023 | $14.3M | 14.4K t |
| 2022 | $15.7M | 18.5K t |
| 2021 | $19.5M | 20.0K t |
| 2020 | $13.0M | 15.4K t |
| 2019 | $17.3M | 15.6K t |
| 2018 | $14.3M | 8.8K t |
| 2017 | $7.2M | 6.3K t |
Where South Africa exports rough gemstones to
One buyer market dominates: China accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Hong Kong grew fastest (+81% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $12.0M | 60% |
| India | $4.4M | 22% |
| United States | $1.1M | 5.5% |
| Hong Kong | $675K | 3.3% |
| Thailand | $323K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $323K | 1.6% |
| Czech Republic | $180K | 0.9% |
| United Kingdom | $167K | 0.8% |
| Australia | $111K | 0.6% |
| Canada | $85K | 0.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.96 per kg, 85% below the world average of $6.46, 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.
Rough gemstones imports to South Africa
Imports of rough gemstones by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Namibia (44%), Zimbabwe (14%), Botswana (8%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+967% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $916K | 44% |
| Zimbabwe | $296K | 14% |
| Botswana | $174K | 8.3% |
| Thailand | $126K | 6% |
| China | $89K | 4.2% |
| United States | $84K | 4% |
| Madagascar | $83K | 3.9% |
| India | $63K | 3% |
| Mexico | $62K | 2.9% |
| Zambia | $57K | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa rough gemstones exports (HS 7103.10): 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 7103.10: Stones: precious (other than diamonds) and semi-precious stones, unworked or simply sawn or roughly shaped, not strung, mounted or set.
Common questions
What is the value of rough gemstones exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported rough gemstones worth $20.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 21.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 129 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 42% on 2023.
Which countries buy rough gemstones from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 60% of the value ($12.0 million), followed by India (22%) and the United States (6%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 71 buyer countries in total. The Czech Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 224% on the year.
What is the average export price of rough gemstones per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.96 per kg in 2024, 85% below the world average of $6.46 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of rough gemstones from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $7.2 million in 2017 to $20.2 million in 2024, an increase of 179%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $15.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import rough gemstones?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $18.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for rough gemstones?
The HS code for rough gemstones is subheading 7103.10. 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 7103 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
More trade data for South Africa
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