Salt imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported salt worth $22.5 million (473.0 thousand tonnes). Value rose 13% on 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 | $22.5M | 473.0K t |
| 2023 | $19.9M | 210.6K t |
| 2022 | $21.0M | 464.1K t |
| 2021 | $20.3M | 378.4K t |
| 2020 | $18.0M | 428.9K t |
| 2019 | $20.0M | 441.0K t |
| 2018 | $21.8M | 463.2K t |
| 2017 | $19.7M | 440.0K t |
Where South Africa imports salt from
Namibia alone supplied 59% of it. Among the main suppliers, Pakistan grew fastest (+41% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $13.3M | 59% |
| Botswana | $5.7M | 25% |
| Pakistan | $805K | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $412K | 1.8% |
| Germany | $369K | 1.6% |
| China | $358K | 1.6% |
| Czech Republic | $309K | 1.4% |
| Spain | $284K | 1.3% |
| France | $147K | 0.7% |
| United States | $146K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.05 per kg, close to the world average of $0.06.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Salt exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $20.9 million of salt in 2024 (31.8 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (20%), United States (18%), Australia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+88% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $4.1M | 20% |
| United States | $3.7M | 18% |
| Australia | $2.0M | 9.6% |
| Japan | $1.7M | 8.3% |
| Lesotho | $1.5M | 7.1% |
| Eswatini | $1.1M | 5.5% |
| United Kingdom | $861K | 4.1% |
| Netherlands | $679K | 3.3% |
| Ireland | $656K | 3.1% |
| Namibia | $608K | 2.9% |
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 2501: Salt (including table salt and denatured salt); pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution; sea water.
Common questions
What is the value of salt imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported salt worth $22.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 473.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply salt to South Africa?
Namibia was the largest supplier with 59% of the value ($13.3 million), followed by Botswana (25%) and Pakistan (4%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 55 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 733% on the year.
What is the average import price of salt per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.05 per kg in 2024, 17% below the world average of $0.06 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 salt to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $19.7 million in 2017 to $22.5 million in 2024, an increase of 14%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export salt?
Yes. South Africa exported $20.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the United States and Australia. That compares with imports of $22.5 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for salt?
The HS code for salt is heading 2501. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2501.00. It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2501 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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