Zinc slag exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of zinc slag by South Africa reached $5.0 million in 2024 (6.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 88% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 26% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $40.4 million.
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 | $5.0M | 6.9K t |
| 2023 | $40.4M | 4.4K t |
| 2022 | $2.0M | 3.6K t |
| 2021 | $1.9M | 4.7K t |
| 2020 | $903K | 3.8K t |
| 2019 | $2.3M | 6.1K t |
| 2018 | $3.7M | 7.0K t |
| 2017 | $1.0M | 1.9K t |
Where South Africa exports zinc slag to
One buyer market dominates: Netherlands accounted for 66% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $3.3M | 66% |
| United Kingdom | $732K | 15% |
| Germany | $325K | 6.5% |
| China | $255K | 5.1% |
| South Korea | $195K | 3.9% |
| Belgium | $66K | 1.3% |
| Pakistan | $48K | 1% |
| Namibia | $47K | 0.9% |
| Lesotho | $22K | 0.4% |
| Sri Lanka | $17K | 0.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.73 per kg, 35% below the world average of $1.12, 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 slag imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported zinc slag worth $267 thousand (225 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Kenya accounted for 100% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Kenya grew fastest (+338% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $267K | 100% |
| Pakistan | $0K | 0% |
| Spain | $0K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa zinc slag exports (HS 2620.19): 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 2620.19: Slag, ash and residues: (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, other than hard zinc spelter.
Common questions
What is the value of zinc slag exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported zinc slag worth $5.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 106 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 88% on 2023.
Which countries buy zinc slag from South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest buyer with 66% of the value ($3.3 million), followed by the United Kingdom (15%) and Germany (6%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 15 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 160% on the year.
What is the average export price of zinc slag per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.73 per kg in 2024, 35% below the world average of $1.12 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of zinc slag from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.0 million in 2017 to $5.0 million in 2024, an increase of 391%. The peak was 2023 at $40.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import zinc slag?
Yes. South Africa imported $267 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Kenya, Pakistan and Spain. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for zinc slag?
The HS code for zinc slag is subheading 2620.19. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2620 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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