Tungsten products exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported tungsten products worth $7.6 million (387 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 0%. Value rose 27% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $7.6M | 387 t |
| 2023 | $6.0M | 382 t |
| 2022 | $6.9M | 370 t |
| 2021 | $7.0M | 340 t |
| 2020 | $7.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $6.8M | 913 t |
| 2018 | $8.8M | 602 t |
| 2017 | $6.6M | 360 t |
Where South Africa exports tungsten products to
The largest buyer markets were Germany (37%), Netherlands (29%), Finland (19%). Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+189% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.8M | 37% |
| Netherlands | $2.2M | 29% |
| Finland | $1.5M | 19% |
| United Kingdom | $794K | 10% |
| Austria | $178K | 2.3% |
| Switzerland | $39K | 0.5% |
| Zambia | $26K | 0.3% |
| Eswatini | $25K | 0.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $11K | 0.1% |
| Uganda | $11K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 8101
| 8101.97 | Tungsten (wolfram): waste and scrap | 97% |
| 8101.96 | Tungsten (wolfram): wire | 0.9% |
| 8101.99 | Tungsten (wolfram): articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8101 | 0.9% |
| 8101.10 | Tungsten (wolfram): articles thereof, including waste and scrap, powders | 0.6% |
| 8101.94 | Tungsten (wolfram): unwrought, including bars and rods obtained simply by sintering | 0.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8101.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $19.75 per kg, close to the world average of $17.38.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Tungsten products imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported tungsten products worth $4.5 million (80 tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (33%), United States (29%), Italy (9%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+67% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.5M | 33% |
| United States | $1.3M | 29% |
| Italy | $394K | 8.8% |
| United Kingdom | $350K | 7.8% |
| Israel | $249K | 5.5% |
| Denmark | $190K | 4.2% |
| Germany | $118K | 2.6% |
| Australia | $103K | 2.3% |
| India | $89K | 2% |
| Austria | $64K | 1.4% |
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 8101: Tungsten (wolfram); articles thereof, including waste and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of tungsten products exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported tungsten products worth $7.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 387 tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 114 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 27% on 2023.
Which countries buy tungsten products from South Africa?
Germany was the largest buyer with 37% of the value ($2.8 million), followed by the Netherlands (29%) and Finland (19%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 28 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 320% on the year.
What is the average export price of tungsten products per kg?
The average declared export value was about $19.75 per kg in 2024, 14% above the world average of $17.38 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 tungsten products from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $6.6 million in 2017 to $7.6 million in 2024, an increase of 16%. The peak was 2018 at $8.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import tungsten products?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United States and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for tungsten products?
The HS code for tungsten products is heading 8101. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8101.97 (97% of the value) and 8101.96 (1%). 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 8101 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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