Zinc powder exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $2.5 million of zinc powder in 2024 (3.6 thousand tonnes). That is 39% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $8.2 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 | $2.5M | 3.6K t |
| 2023 | $4.1M | 2.0K t |
| 2022 | $3.7M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $3.0M | 731 t |
| 2020 | $4.0M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $6.1M | 1.9K t |
| 2018 | $8.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2017 | $6.3M | 3.1K t |
Where South Africa exports zinc powder to
Argentina alone took 71% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Thailand grew fastest (+947% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | $1.8M | 71% |
| Thailand | $403K | 16% |
| Nigeria | $119K | 4.7% |
| Sri Lanka | $61K | 2.4% |
| Mauritius | $36K | 1.4% |
| United Kingdom | $30K | 1.2% |
| Angola | $24K | 1% |
| Mozambique | $21K | 0.8% |
| Republic of the Congo | $19K | 0.8% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $11K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 7903
| 7903.10 | Zinc dust | 93% |
| 7903.90 | Zinc: powders and flakes | 7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7903.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.70 per kg, 56% below the world average of $1.59, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Zinc powder imports to South Africa
Imports of zinc powder by South Africa reached $671 thousand in 2024 (124 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Saudi Arabia accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+174% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $351K | 52% |
| Japan | $104K | 16% |
| Switzerland | $89K | 13% |
| United Arab Emirates | $65K | 9.7% |
| Malaysia | $46K | 6.9% |
| China | $5K | 0.7% |
| Germany | $4K | 0.5% |
| United States | $3K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $2K | 0.3% |
| Italy | $2K | 0.3% |
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 7903: Zinc; dust, powders and flakes.
Common questions
What is the value of zinc powder exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported zinc powder worth $2.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 110 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 39% on 2023.
Which countries buy zinc powder from South Africa?
Argentina was the largest buyer with 71% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by Thailand (16%) and Nigeria (5%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 947% on the year.
What is the average export price of zinc powder per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.70 per kg in 2024, 56% below the world average of $1.59 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 powder from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $6.3 million in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2024, a fall of 60%. The peak was 2018 at $8.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import zinc powder?
Yes. South Africa imported $671 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Saudi Arabia, Japan and Switzerland. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for zinc powder?
The HS code for zinc powder is heading 7903. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7903.10 (93% of the value) and 7903.90 (7%). It sits in HS chapter 79 (zinc and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7903 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.
Same product, other countries
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