Alloy steel scrap exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported alloy steel scrap worth $15.2 million (53.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 14% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 17% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $95.5 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 | $15.2M | 53.5K t |
| 2023 | $17.6M | 32.5K t |
| 2022 | $68.8M | 148.4K t |
| 2021 | $25.8M | 55.3K t |
| 2020 | $34.7M | 140.2K t |
| 2019 | $70.6M | 248.5K t |
| 2018 | $95.5M | 227.2K t |
| 2017 | $55.9M | 199.6K t |
Where South Africa exports alloy steel scrap to
Most of it went to India (44%), Pakistan (41%), Kenya (9%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $6.7M | 44% |
| Pakistan | $6.2M | 41% |
| Kenya | $1.4M | 9.4% |
| Vietnam | $330K | 2.2% |
| Germany | $107K | 0.7% |
| Netherlands | $93K | 0.6% |
| China | $91K | 0.6% |
| Singapore | $74K | 0.5% |
| Thailand | $38K | 0.3% |
| United States | $20K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.28 per kg, 40% below the world average of $0.47, 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.
Alloy steel scrap imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $3.6 million of alloy steel scrap in 2024 (26.6 thousand tonnes). Zimbabwe alone supplied 80% of it. Among the main suppliers, Namibia grew fastest (+986% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.9M | 80% |
| Lesotho | $427K | 12% |
| Namibia | $214K | 5.9% |
| Malawi | $37K | 1% |
| Chile | $11K | 0.3% |
| Eswatini | $5K | 0.2% |
| Norway | $4K | 0.1% |
| Denmark | $4K | 0.1% |
| Bahamas | $2K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa alloy steel scrap exports (HS 7204.29): 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 7204.29: Ferrous waste and scrap: of alloy steel (excluding stainless).
Common questions
What is the value of alloy steel scrap exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported alloy steel scrap worth $15.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 53.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 153 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries buy alloy steel scrap from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 44% of the value ($6.7 million), followed by Pakistan (41%) and Kenya (9%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 11 buyer countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 154% on the year.
What is the average export price of alloy steel scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.28 per kg in 2024, 40% below the world average of $0.47 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of alloy steel scrap from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $55.9 million in 2017 to $15.2 million in 2024, a fall of 73%. The peak was 2018 at $95.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $48.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import alloy steel scrap?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $11.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for alloy steel scrap?
The HS code for alloy steel scrap is subheading 7204.29. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7204 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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