Zinc ore exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported zinc ore worth $294.9 million (308.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 10th of 111 countries for exports of this product. That is 8% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 23% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $544.5 million.
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 | $294.9M | 308.9K t |
| 2023 | $319.1M | 450.5K t |
| 2022 | $544.5M | 506.8K t |
| 2021 | $466.6M | 477.2K t |
| 2020 | $207.3M | 329.5K t |
| 2019 | $190.5M | 287.4K t |
| 2018 | $45.5M | 45.8K t |
| 2017 | $71.1M | 65.5K t |
Where South Africa exports zinc ore to
One buyer market dominates: China accounted for 85% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $251.7M | 85% |
| South Korea | $30.9M | 11% |
| Slovakia | $11.9M | 4.1% |
| Thailand | $161K | 0.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $89K | 0% |
| Indonesia | $33K | 0% |
| Brazil | $23K | 0% |
| Malaysia | $5K | 0% |
| Nigeria | $2K | 0% |
| Angola | $1K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.95 per kg, close to the world average of $1.05.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Zinc ore imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $3.0 million of zinc ore in 2024 (812 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Zambia accounted for 97% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $2.9M | 97% |
| Thailand | $68K | 2.2% |
| DR Congo | $29K | 1% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
| Iraq | $0K | 0% |
| China | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Botswana | $0K | 0% |
| Australia | $0K | 0% |
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 2608: Zinc ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of zinc ore exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported zinc ore worth $294.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 308.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 111 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy zinc ore from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 85% of the value ($251.7 million), followed by South Korea (10%) and Slovakia (4%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 396% on the year.
What is the average export price of zinc ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.95 per kg in 2024, 10% below the world average of $1.05 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 zinc ore from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $71.1 million in 2017 to $294.9 million in 2024, an increase of 315%. The peak was 2022 at $544.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import zinc ore?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zambia, Thailand and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $291.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for zinc ore?
The HS code for zinc ore is heading 2608. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2608.00. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2608 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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