Silver exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $72.9 million of silver in 2024 (96 tonnes). Value rose 126% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% 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 | $72.9M | 96 t |
| 2023 | $32.3M | 42 t |
| 2022 | $65.4M | 97 t |
| 2021 | $41.9M | 51 t |
| 2020 | $24.9M | 42 t |
| 2019 | $28.7M | 65 t |
| 2018 | $55.5M | 101 t |
| 2017 | $35.1M | 60 t |
Where South Africa exports silver to
Most of it went to India (31%), United States (31%), China (20%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+97% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $22.8M | 31% |
| United States | $22.8M | 31% |
| China | $14.9M | 20% |
| Hong Kong | $9.2M | 13% |
| United Kingdom | $1.1M | 1.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $956K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $510K | 0.7% |
| Poland | $300K | 0.4% |
| Australia | $269K | 0.4% |
| Czech Republic | $84K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 7106
| 7106.91 | Metals: silver, unwrought, (but not powder) | 74% |
| 7106.92 | Metals: silver, semi-manufactured | 25% |
| 7106.10 | Metals: silver powder | 0.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7106.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $757.23 per kg, close to the world average of $633.55.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Silver imports to South Africa
Imports of silver by South Africa reached $4.2 million in 2024 (11 tonnes). Most of the value came from Germany (28%), France (12%), United States (11%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.2M | 28% |
| France | $519K | 12% |
| United States | $465K | 11% |
| Italy | $416K | 9.8% |
| Taiwan | $345K | 8.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $297K | 7% |
| Ghana | $257K | 6.1% |
| Burkina Faso | $236K | 5.6% |
| Turkey | $160K | 3.8% |
| United Kingdom | $118K | 2.8% |
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 7106: Silver (including silver plated with gold or platinum); unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form.
Common questions
What is the value of silver exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported silver worth $72.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 96 tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 131 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 126% on 2023.
Which countries buy silver from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 31% of the value ($22.8 million), followed by the United States (31%) and China (20%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 27 buyer countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 750% on the year.
What is the average export price of silver per kg?
The average declared export value was about $757.23 per kg in 2024, 20% above the world average of $633.55 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 exports of silver from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $35.1 million in 2017 to $72.9 million in 2024, an increase of 108%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import silver?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, France and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $68.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for silver?
The HS code for silver is heading 7106. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7106.91 (74% of the value) and 7106.92 (25%). It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7106 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.
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