Unrefined lead ingots exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported unrefined lead ingots worth $5.2 million (1.8 thousand tonnes). That is 8% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 30% 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 | $5.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2023 | $4.8M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $2.5M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $1.5M | 707 t |
| 2020 | $5.2M | 1.9K t |
| 2019 | $3.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $2.2M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $807K | 431 t |
Where South Africa exports unrefined lead ingots to
India alone took 98% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $5.1M | 98% |
| Zimbabwe | $31K | 0.6% |
| Kenya | $24K | 0.5% |
| Namibia | $14K | 0.3% |
| France | $11K | 0.2% |
| Zambia | $8K | 0.2% |
| Nigeria | $2K | 0% |
| Tanzania | $1K | 0% |
| Angola | $0K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.86 per kg, close to the world average of $2.55.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Unrefined lead ingots imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported unrefined lead ingots worth $612 thousand (221 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 93% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $571K | 93% |
| Zambia | $26K | 4.3% |
| Netherlands | $9K | 1.5% |
| Germany | $5K | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0.1% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa unrefined lead ingots exports (HS 7801.99): 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 7801.99: Lead: unwrought, unrefined, not containing by weight antimony as the principal other element.
Common questions
What is the value of unrefined lead ingots exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported unrefined lead ingots worth $5.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 60th of 130 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy unrefined lead ingots from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 98% of the value ($5.1 million), followed by Zimbabwe (1%) and Kenya (0%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 13 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 784% on the year.
What is the average export price of unrefined lead ingots per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.86 per kg in 2024, 12% above the world average of $2.55 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of unrefined lead ingots from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $807 thousand in 2017 to $5.2 million in 2024, an increase of 544%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import unrefined lead ingots?
Yes. South Africa imported $612 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Zambia and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for unrefined lead ingots?
The HS code for unrefined lead ingots is subheading 7801.99. It sits in HS chapter 78 (lead and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7801 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World unrefined lead ingots trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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