Sand (other types) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported sand (other types) worth $10.0 million (47.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 92% more 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $10.0M | 47.9K t |
| 2023 | $5.2M | 18.7K t |
| 2022 | $9.8M | 32.0K t |
| 2021 | $11.1M | 31.1K t |
| 2020 | $3.4M | 9.4K t |
| 2019 | $4.7M | 18.2K t |
| 2018 | $5.0M | 13.8K t |
| 2017 | $6.8M | 20.4K t |
Where South Africa exports sand (other types) to
Most of it went to Netherlands (49%), China (22%), Czech Republic (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+213% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $4.9M | 49% |
| China | $2.1M | 22% |
| Czech Republic | $1.8M | 18% |
| Mozambique | $153K | 1.5% |
| Botswana | $119K | 1.2% |
| Zambia | $105K | 1.1% |
| Tunisia | $97K | 1% |
| Germany | $87K | 0.9% |
| Switzerland | $63K | 0.6% |
| South Korea | $56K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.21 per kg, 2000% above the world average of $0.01. 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.
Sand (other types) imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported sand (other types) worth $516 thousand (5.1 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Turkey accounted for 71% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+153% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $365K | 71% |
| China | $34K | 6.5% |
| France | $30K | 5.8% |
| India | $30K | 5.8% |
| United States | $13K | 2.5% |
| Lesotho | $11K | 2.1% |
| Namibia | $6K | 1.1% |
| Spain | $3K | 0.7% |
| Sweden | $3K | 0.6% |
| Angola | $3K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sand (other types) exports (HS 2505.90): 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 2505.90: Sands: natural, (other than silica and quartz sands), whether or not coloured, (other than metal-bearing sands of chapter 26).
Common questions
What is the value of sand (other types) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported sand (other types) worth $10.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 47.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 170 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 92% on 2023.
Which countries buy sand (other types) from South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest buyer with 49% of the value ($4.9 million), followed by China (22%) and the Czech Republic (18%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 59 buyer countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 213% on the year.
What is the average export price of sand (other types) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.21 per kg in 2024, 2000% above the world average of $0.01 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of sand (other types) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $6.8 million in 2017 to $10.0 million in 2024, an increase of 47%. The peak was 2021 at $11.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import sand (other types)?
Yes. South Africa imported $516 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Turkey, China and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $9.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for sand (other types)?
The HS code for sand (other types) is subheading 2505.90. 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 2505 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.
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