Specialty metals imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of specialty metals by South Africa reached $4.1 million in 2024 (218 tonnes). Value fell 22% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $7.3 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 | $4.1M | 218 t |
| 2023 | $5.2M | 343 t |
| 2022 | $4.9M | 603 t |
| 2021 | $3.1M | 343 t |
| 2020 | $1.6M | 131 t |
| 2019 | $6.9M | 356 t |
| 2018 | $7.3M | 385 t |
| 2017 | $5.9M | 569 t |
Where South Africa imports specialty metals from
Most of the value came from France (30%), China (22%), Germany (20%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+95% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $1.2M | 30% |
| China | $908K | 22% |
| Germany | $832K | 20% |
| United States | $756K | 19% |
| United Kingdom | $298K | 7.3% |
| India | $26K | 0.6% |
| Switzerland | $9K | 0.2% |
| Japan | $5K | 0.1% |
| Turkey | $1K | 0% |
| Canada | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 8112
| 8112.92 | Gallium, germanium, hafnium, indium, niobium (columbium), rhenium and vanadium: articles thereof, unwrought, including waste and scrap, powders | 51% |
| 8112.29 | Chromium and articles thereof: wrought other than waste and scrap | 28% |
| 8112.99 | Gallium, germanium, hafnium, indium, niobium (columbium), rhenium and vanadium: articles thereof, other than unwrought including waste and scrap and… | 19% |
| 8112.21 | Chromium and articles thereof: unwrought chromium, powders | 2.7% |
| 8112.13 | Beryllium: waste and scrap | 0% |
| 8112.19 | Beryllium and articles thereof: wrought other than waste and scrap | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8112.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $18.67 per kg, 42% below the world average of $32.23, 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 metals exports from South Africa
Exports of specialty metals by South Africa reached $2.6 million in 2024 (126 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were France (41%), Germany (23%), Japan (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+181% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $1.0M | 41% |
| Germany | $587K | 23% |
| Japan | $287K | 11% |
| India | $286K | 11% |
| United States | $238K | 9.3% |
| United Kingdom | $71K | 2.8% |
| China | $28K | 1.1% |
| Chile | $6K | 0.3% |
| Eswatini | $5K | 0.2% |
| Tanzania | $2K | 0.1% |
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 8112: Beryllium, chromium, hafnium, rhenium, thallium, cadmium, germanium, vanadium, gallium, indium and niobium (columbium), articles of these metals, including waste and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of specialty metals imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported specialty metals worth $4.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 218 tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 168 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply specialty metals to South Africa?
France was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by China (22%) and Germany (20%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 202% on the year.
What is the average import price of specialty metals per kg?
The average declared import value was about $18.67 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $32.23 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 imports of specialty metals to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.9 million in 2017 to $4.1 million in 2024, a fall of 31%. The peak was 2018 at $7.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export specialty metals?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to France, Germany and Japan. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for specialty metals?
The HS code for specialty metals is heading 8112. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8112.92 (51% of the value) and 8112.29 (28%). 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?
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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