Synthetic gemstones imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported synthetic gemstones worth $5.2 million (49 tonnes). That is 28% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 29% 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 | $5.2M | 49 t |
| 2023 | $4.1M | 79 t |
| 2022 | $4.3M | 160 t |
| 2021 | $1.7M | 39 t |
| 2020 | $580K | 55 t |
| 2019 | $532K | 42 t |
| 2018 | $775K | 53 t |
| 2017 | $861K | 180 t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic gemstones from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 69% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+243% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.6M | 69% |
| United States | $598K | 12% |
| China | $428K | 8.2% |
| United Kingdom | $138K | 2.7% |
| Hong Kong | $117K | 2.2% |
| South Korea | $100K | 1.9% |
| Thailand | $64K | 1.2% |
| Netherlands | $50K | 1% |
| Romania | $44K | 0.8% |
| Switzerland | $21K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 7104
| 7104.90 | Stones: precious or semi-precious, synthetic or reconstructed, (not piezo-electric quartz), worked or graded or not, (but not strung, mounted or… | 94% |
| 7104.20 | Stones: precious or semi-precious, synthetic or reconstructed, (not piezo-electric quartz), unworked or simply sawn, roughly shaped, (not strung… | 4.4% |
| 7104.10 | Stones: precious or semi-precious, synthetic or reconstructed, piezo-electric quartz, whether or not worked or graded (but not strung, mounted or… | 1.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7104.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $105.90 per kg, 85% below the world average of $683.93, 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.
Synthetic gemstones exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.4 million of synthetic gemstones in 2024 (10 tonnes). China alone took 80% of it. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+125% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.9M | 80% |
| Hong Kong | $202K | 8.5% |
| United States | $122K | 5.2% |
| Germany | $37K | 1.6% |
| Singapore | $34K | 1.4% |
| India | $23K | 1% |
| United Kingdom | $11K | 0.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $9K | 0.4% |
| Colombia | $8K | 0.3% |
| Namibia | $7K | 0.3% |
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 7104: Stones; synthetic or reconstructed precious or semi-precious, whether or not worked or graded but not strung, mounted or set; ungraded synthetic or reconstructed precious or semi-precious stones, temporarily strung for convenience of transport.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic gemstones imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic gemstones worth $5.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 49 tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 148 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 28% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic gemstones to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 69% of the value ($3.6 million), followed by the United States (11%) and China (8%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 270% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic gemstones per kg?
The average declared import value was about $105.90 per kg in 2024, 85% below the world average of $683.93 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 synthetic gemstones to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $860 thousand in 2017 to $5.2 million in 2024, an increase of 505%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export synthetic gemstones?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to China, Hong Kong and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic gemstones?
The HS code for synthetic gemstones is heading 7104. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7104.90 (94% of the value) and 7104.20 (4%). 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 7104 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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