Silicon metal exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of silicon metal by South Africa reached $93.2 million in 2024 (21.6 thousand tonnes). It ranks 9th of 90 countries for exports of this product. Value rose 95% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 23% 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 | $93.2M | 21.6K t |
| 2023 | $47.7M | 12.7K t |
| 2022 | $749K | 494 t |
| 2021 | $3.1M | 984 t |
| 2020 | $8.0M | 5.4K t |
| 2019 | $57.5M | 31.1K t |
| 2018 | $86.8M | 35.9K t |
| 2017 | $22.4M | 8.5K t |
Where South Africa exports silicon metal to
One buyer market dominates: China accounted for 62% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+509% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $57.9M | 62% |
| Germany | $15.6M | 17% |
| Netherlands | $7.6M | 8.2% |
| Malaysia | $4.7M | 5% |
| Finland | $3.3M | 3.6% |
| United States | $2.5M | 2.7% |
| Turkey | $701K | 0.8% |
| Eswatini | $239K | 0.3% |
| Spain | $231K | 0.3% |
| Mozambique | $187K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.31 per kg, 72% above the world average of $2.50. 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.
Silicon metal imports to South Africa
Imports of silicon metal by South Africa reached $5.6 million in 2024 (2.7 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 91% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.1M | 91% |
| United States | $181K | 3.2% |
| Australia | $123K | 2.2% |
| United Kingdom | $111K | 2% |
| Netherlands | $49K | 0.9% |
| Cyprus | $48K | 0.9% |
| Spain | $11K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $5K | 0.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $0K | 0% |
| Brazil | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa silicon metal exports (HS 2804.69): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 2804.69: Silicon: containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon.
Common questions
What is the value of silicon metal exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported silicon metal worth $93.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 21.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 90 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 95% on 2023.
Which countries buy silicon metal from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 62% of the value ($57.9 million), followed by Germany (17%) and the Netherlands (8%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 27 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 509% on the year.
What is the average export price of silicon metal per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.31 per kg in 2024, 72% above the world average of $2.50 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of silicon metal from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $22.4 million in 2017 to $93.2 million in 2024, an increase of 316%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $39.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also import silicon metal?
Yes. South Africa imported $5.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United States and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $87.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for silicon metal?
The HS code for silicon metal is subheading 2804.69. 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 2804 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.