Zinc oxide imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of zinc oxide by South Africa reached $2.8 million in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). That is 46% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $5.3 million.
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 | $2.8M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $5.2M | 2.5K t |
| 2022 | $5.0M | 2.3K t |
| 2021 | $4.0M | 2.3K t |
| 2020 | $3.7M | 1.9K t |
| 2019 | $5.3M | 1.6K t |
| 2018 | $5.3M | 1.5K t |
| 2017 | $4.6M | 1.6K t |
Where South Africa imports zinc oxide from
Most of the value came from Mexico (27%), Belgium (21%), Peru (9%). Among the main suppliers, Peru grew fastest (+312% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $774K | 27% |
| Belgium | $593K | 21% |
| Peru | $248K | 8.8% |
| Australia | $190K | 6.7% |
| Netherlands | $166K | 5.9% |
| China | $156K | 5.5% |
| Germany | $144K | 5.1% |
| India | $128K | 4.5% |
| Canada | $127K | 4.5% |
| Taiwan | $69K | 2.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.44 per kg, close to the world average of $2.23.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Zinc oxide exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported zinc oxide worth $927 thousand (1.6 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Thailand (46%), China (14%), Zimbabwe (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Thailand grew fastest (+166% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $431K | 47% |
| China | $134K | 14% |
| Zimbabwe | $117K | 13% |
| Belgium | $105K | 11% |
| Germany | $43K | 4.7% |
| Malaysia | $33K | 3.5% |
| Ghana | $23K | 2.4% |
| Namibia | $15K | 1.6% |
| Mauritius | $9K | 0.9% |
| Zambia | $7K | 0.8% |
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 2817: Zinc; oxide and peroxide.
Common questions
What is the value of zinc oxide imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported zinc oxide worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 57th of 171 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 46% on 2023.
Which countries supply zinc oxide to South Africa?
Mexico was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($774 thousand), followed by Belgium (21%) and Peru (9%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. Peru grew fastest among the top ten, up 312% on the year.
What is the average import price of zinc oxide per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.44 per kg in 2024, 9% above the world average of $2.23 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 zinc oxide to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.6 million in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024, a fall of 39%. The peak was 2018 at $5.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export zinc oxide?
Yes. South Africa exported $927 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Thailand, China and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for zinc oxide?
The HS code for zinc oxide is heading 2817. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2817.00. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2817 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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