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🇿🇦 Rhodium Price Today in South Africa | R169,463.33
Live rhodium price in South African Rand (ZAR) — updated every minute
Last updated: May 5, 2026, 12:57 AM ET
Price (ZAR)
R169,463.33
Price (USD)
$9,160.18
USD/Rhodium Spot
$9,160.18
USD/ZAR Rate
1 USD = 18.5 ZAR
About Rhodium
Rhodium is one of the rarest and most valuable metals on Earth, used almost exclusively in automotive catalytic converters (particularly for gasoline engines) and in industrial chemical processes. South Africa produces approximately 80% of global supply. Rhodium prices are notoriously volatile — the metal traded above $29,000/oz in early 2021 before crashing below $5,000/oz by 2023.
Rhodium price in South Africa: what drives it?
Rhodium's extreme rarity and concentrated supply make it one of the most price-volatile metals. Institutional investors access it through OTC markets and specialist dealers. Its primary use in automotive catalysts ties its fate closely to gasoline vehicle production and global emissions regulations. The rhodium price in South Africa is determined by the global USD spot price multiplied by the USD/ZAR exchange rate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Rhodium in South Africa
What is the rhodium price today in South Africa?
The rhodium price in South Africa is the international OTC spot price in USD converted to South African Rand. Unlike gold or platinum, rhodium has no major futures exchange — prices are set by bilateral OTC trades between refiners and industrial buyers.
Why is rhodium so expensive?
Rhodium is extraordinarily rare — global annual mine production is only about 30–35 tonnes, compared to 3,300 tonnes for gold. It is primarily found as a byproduct of platinum mining in South Africa. Its critical role in automotive catalytic converters creates inelastic industrial demand with limited supply flexibility.
Why did rhodium price crash from $29,000 to under $5,000?
The 2021 rhodium price spike to $29,800/oz was driven by a combination of COVID-era supply disruptions and a global rebound in automotive production. The subsequent crash reflected the transition toward electric vehicles (which don't use rhodium catalysts), chip shortage-related auto production cuts, and industrial buyers drawing down stockpiles.
What percentage of rhodium goes to catalytic converters?
Approximately 80–85% of annual rhodium demand comes from automotive catalytic converters, specifically three-way catalysts for gasoline engines that reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The remaining 15–20% goes to glass production, chemical catalysts, and other industrial uses.
Is rhodium a good investment in South Africa?
Rhodium is a high-risk, high-reward metal for sophisticated investors. Its tiny market size, lack of standardized investment products, and single-sector demand concentration make it extremely volatile. Only investors with high risk tolerance and specialist market knowledge should consider rhodium exposure in South Africa.