Silicon carbide exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported silicon carbide worth $14.8 million (14.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 29% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $25.4 million.
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 | $14.8M | 14.5K t |
| 2023 | $20.8M | 21.0K t |
| 2022 | $18.1M | 14.3K t |
| 2021 | $9.2M | 11.5K t |
| 2020 | $9.5M | 9.5K t |
| 2019 | $25.4M | 21.0K t |
| 2018 | $18.8M | 22.7K t |
| 2017 | $8.2M | 9.8K t |
Where South Africa exports silicon carbide to
The largest buyer markets were Germany (37%), Netherlands (34%), United States (21%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+49% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $5.5M | 37% |
| Netherlands | $5.0M | 34% |
| United States | $3.0M | 21% |
| United Kingdom | $946K | 6.4% |
| Brazil | $157K | 1.1% |
| Finland | $31K | 0.2% |
| Spain | $25K | 0.2% |
| Malaysia | $18K | 0.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $12K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $11K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.02 per kg, 32% below the world average of $1.51, 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.
Silicon carbide imports to South Africa
Imports of silicon carbide by South Africa reached $982 thousand in 2024 (811 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Brazil (48%), China (46%), Norway (3%). Among the main suppliers, Norway grew fastest (+93% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $470K | 48% |
| China | $453K | 46% |
| Norway | $31K | 3.1% |
| India | $12K | 1.2% |
| Taiwan | $7K | 0.7% |
| United States | $3K | 0.3% |
| Malaysia | $2K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $2K | 0.2% |
| France | $1K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa silicon carbide exports (HS 2849.20): 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 2849.20: Carbides: of silicon, whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of silicon carbide exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported silicon carbide worth $14.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 74 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 29% on 2023.
Which countries buy silicon carbide from South Africa?
Germany was the largest buyer with 37% of the value ($5.5 million), followed by the Netherlands (34%) and the United States (21%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 20 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 49% on the year.
What is the average export price of silicon carbide per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.02 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $1.51 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of silicon carbide from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $8.2 million in 2017 to $14.8 million in 2024, an increase of 80%. The peak was 2019 at $25.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import silicon carbide?
Yes. South Africa imported $982 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Brazil, China and Norway. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $13.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for silicon carbide?
The HS code for silicon carbide is subheading 2849.20. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2849 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
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