Silicon dioxide imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of silicon dioxide by South Africa reached $22.7 million in 2024 (14.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 9% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $28.6 million.
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 | $22.7M | 14.7K t |
| 2023 | $20.7M | 13.1K t |
| 2022 | $28.6M | 17.9K t |
| 2021 | $22.9M | 17.6K t |
| 2020 | $16.9M | 14.5K t |
| 2019 | $19.5M | 16.4K t |
| 2018 | $21.2M | 16.1K t |
| 2017 | $20.0M | 15.9K t |
Where South Africa imports silicon dioxide from
The largest suppliers were China (27%), India (19%), Germany (17%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+169% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.1M | 27% |
| India | $4.3M | 19% |
| Germany | $3.7M | 17% |
| Netherlands | $3.6M | 16% |
| Belgium | $769K | 3.4% |
| Taiwan | $769K | 3.4% |
| Spain | $763K | 3.4% |
| France | $456K | 2% |
| Brazil | $418K | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $379K | 1.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.54 per kg, close to the world average of $1.33.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Silicon dioxide exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.5 million of silicon dioxide in 2024 (14.5 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Saudi Arabia (21%), Colombia (15%), Botswana (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $729K | 21% |
| Colombia | $528K | 15% |
| Botswana | $312K | 8.8% |
| India | $306K | 8.6% |
| Nigeria | $268K | 7.6% |
| Ghana | $222K | 6.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $197K | 5.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $125K | 3.5% |
| DR Congo | $120K | 3.4% |
| Japan | $98K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa silicon dioxide imports (HS 2811.22): 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 2811.22: Silicon dioxide.
Common questions
What is the value of silicon dioxide imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported silicon dioxide worth $22.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 199 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply silicon dioxide to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($6.1 million), followed by India (19%) and Germany (17%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 33 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 169% on the year.
What is the average import price of silicon dioxide per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.54 per kg in 2024, 16% above the world average of $1.33 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of silicon dioxide to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $20.0 million in 2017 to $22.7 million in 2024, an increase of 13%. The peak was 2022 at $28.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $21.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export silicon dioxide?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Saudi Arabia, Colombia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $19.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for silicon dioxide?
The HS code for silicon dioxide is subheading 2811.22. 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 2811 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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