Specialty metal powder imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of specialty metal powder by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (77 tonnes). That is 17% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 16% a year on average.
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 | $2.1M | 77 t |
| 2023 | $2.5M | 85 t |
| 2022 | $612K | 21 t |
| 2021 | $449K | 14 t |
| 2020 | $121K | 5 t |
| 2019 | $1.9M | 32 t |
| 2018 | $2.3M | 62 t |
| 2017 | $746K | 36 t |
Where South Africa imports specialty metal powder from
France alone supplied 59% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $1.2M | 59% |
| Germany | $829K | 40% |
| China | $10K | 0.5% |
| United States | $5K | 0.2% |
| Japan | $5K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0% |
| Canada | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $27.11 per kg, 83% below the world average of $160.97, 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.
Specialty metal powder exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported specialty metal powder worth $1.3 million (54 tonnes). France alone took 53% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+180% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $700K | 53% |
| Germany | $584K | 44% |
| China | $28K | 2.2% |
| Tanzania | $2K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa specialty metal powder imports (HS 8112.92): 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 8112.92: Gallium, germanium, hafnium, indium, niobium (columbium), rhenium and vanadium: articles thereof, unwrought, including waste and scrap, powders.
Common questions
What is the value of specialty metal powder imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported specialty metal powder worth $2.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 77 tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 85 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply specialty metal powder to South Africa?
France was the largest supplier with 59% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by Germany (40%) and China (0%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 7 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 102% on the year.
What is the average import price of specialty metal powder per kg?
The average declared import value was about $27.11 per kg in 2024, 83% below the world average of $160.97 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of specialty metal powder to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $746 thousand in 2017 to $2.1 million in 2024, an increase of 180%. The peak was 2023 at $2.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export specialty metal powder?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to France, Germany and China. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $773 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for specialty metal powder?
The HS code for specialty metal powder is subheading 8112.92. It sits in HS chapter 81 (metals; n.e.c., cermets and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8112 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
World specialty metal powder trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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