Magnesite market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The South African magnesite market volume declined from 16 124 t in 2018 to 8 224 t in 2022, a reduction driven by a fall in domestic production from 9 000 t to 4 900 t and lower imports over the period.

From 2023, the mining sector was affected by logistical challenges including rail infrastructure issues, cable theft, and port delays, which constrained operations and exports. These difficulties were compounded by volatility in global mineral markets, putting pressure on mining performance and royalties revenue.

The industry's trajectory was further influenced by the strategic focus on critical minerals for the green energy transition, alongside the rise of ESG compliance and green mining trends. Policy efforts to incentivize production expansion interacted with persistent logistical constraints, shaping import and export patterns through 2025.

Production magnesite in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Globally, South Africa ranked as the 22nd largest producer of magnesite between 2018 and 2021.

Top producers of magnesite, 2018-2021

World map of production of magnesite, 2018-2021

South Africa's magnesite production declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 5 000 tonnes of magnesite, which is 16.7% lower than the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 44.4%, averaging an annual decrease of 17.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports magnesite from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market. Between 2018 and 2020, exports varied significantly, with a peak-to-trough difference of 4.8 times. In 2021, South Africa exported 1 611 tonnes of magnesite, a sharp increase of 184.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 566 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 69.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were the main buyers of magnesite from South Africa, together accounting for 82.7% of total exports by volume, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during this period. Exports peaked in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2019, with an 8.1-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa's magnesite exports were valued at 414 thousand US dollars, a 69.4% increase from the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 141 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 87.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, rising by 73.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (65.8% of export value), Eswatini (13.0% of export value), and Zimbabwe (8.2% of export value) were the primary destinations for South Africa's magnesite exports by value, together representing 87.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports magnesite to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, magnesite imports into South Africa increased. In 2021, imports totaled 6 970 tonnes, up 27.9% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 29.2%, averaging an annual decline of 10.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 5 450 tonnes, with the largest drop occurring in 2019, falling by 26.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, China and Zimbabwe were the dominant suppliers of magnesite to South Africa, together accounting for 98.0% of total imports by volume, while other partners played a minor role.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, South Africa's magnesite imports rose. In 2021, imports amounted to 1 912 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 47.8% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 4.4%, averaging an annual decline of 1.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 293 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 33.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China accounted for 79.5% of South Africa's magnesite imports by value, with the rest distributed among a range of smaller countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021