Unwrought platinum exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $5.34 billion of unwrought platinum in 2024 (170 tonnes). That makes it the largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 66 countries. That is 27% more than in 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
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.34B | 170 t |
| 2023 | $4.20B | 152 t |
| 2022 | $4.38B | 146 t |
| 2021 | $2.86B | 90 t |
| 2020 | $1.97B | 68 t |
| 2019 | $1.39B | 65 t |
| 2018 | $3.93B | 140 t |
| 2017 | $4.19B | 140 t |
Where South Africa exports unwrought platinum to
The largest buyer markets were China (39%), Japan (22%), United States (12%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+59% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.11B | 39% |
| Japan | $1.20B | 22% |
| United States | $649.4M | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $449.0M | 8.4% |
| Germany | $263.7M | 4.9% |
| Italy | $183.8M | 3.4% |
| South Korea | $172.9M | 3.2% |
| Hong Kong | $115.5M | 2.2% |
| Switzerland | $70.5M | 1.3% |
| Brazil | $44.0M | 0.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $31,435.15 per kg, 28% above the world average of $24,598.91. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Unwrought platinum imports to South Africa
Imports of unwrought platinum by South Africa reached $17.1 million in 2024 (0 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 82% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $14.1M | 82% |
| Germany | $2.0M | 12% |
| United States | $956K | 5.6% |
| Italy | $57K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $2K | 0% |
| Turkey | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa unwrought platinum exports (HS 7110.11): 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 7110.11: Metals: platinum, unwrought or in powder form.
Common questions
What is the value of unwrought platinum exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported unwrought platinum worth $5.34 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 170 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 66 countries worldwide, with 36% of world exports. The value was up 27% on 2023.
Which countries buy unwrought platinum from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 39% of the value ($2.11 billion), followed by Japan (22%) and the United States (12%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 25 buyer countries in total. Brazil grew fastest among the top ten, up 315% on the year.
What is the average export price of unwrought platinum per kg?
The average declared export value was about $31,435.15 per kg in 2024, 28% above the world average of $24,598.91 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of unwrought platinum from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.19 billion in 2017 to $5.34 billion in 2024, an increase of 28%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.53 billion a year.
Does South Africa also import unwrought platinum?
Yes. South Africa imported $17.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, Germany and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.33 billion a year.
What is the HS code for unwrought platinum?
The HS code for unwrought platinum is subheading 7110.11. 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 7110 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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