Aluminium alloy rods imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $90.9 million of aluminium alloy rods in 2024 (33.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 20% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $90.9M | 33.5K t |
| 2023 | $75.6M | 25.8K t |
| 2022 | $89.9M | 29.1K t |
| 2021 | $96.3M | 31.5K t |
| 2020 | $66.7M | 50.0K t |
| 2019 | $68.3M | 28.4K t |
| 2018 | $71.8M | 26.4K t |
| 2017 | $67.2M | 23.5K t |
Where South Africa imports aluminium alloy rods from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 91% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $83.1M | 91% |
| India | $2.3M | 2.5% |
| Belgium | $931K | 1% |
| France | $806K | 0.9% |
| Turkey | $444K | 0.5% |
| South Korea | $426K | 0.5% |
| Brazil | $371K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $336K | 0.4% |
| Italy | $325K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $300K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.72 per kg, 44% below the world average of $4.90, 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.
Aluminium alloy rods exports from South Africa
Exports of aluminium alloy rods by South Africa reached $11.7 million in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United Arab Emirates (24%), Mozambique (17%), Zimbabwe (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+807% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $2.8M | 24% |
| Mozambique | $2.0M | 17% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.9M | 16% |
| Zambia | $1.4M | 12% |
| Lesotho | $592K | 5.1% |
| DR Congo | $527K | 4.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $487K | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | $349K | 3% |
| Namibia | $326K | 2.8% |
| Eswatini | $196K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa aluminium alloy rods imports (HS 7604.29): 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 7604.29: Aluminium: alloys, bars, rods and profiles, other than hollow.
Common questions
What is the value of aluminium alloy rods imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported aluminium alloy rods worth $90.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 33.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 214 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 20% on 2023.
Which countries supply aluminium alloy rods to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 91% of the value ($83.1 million), followed by India (3%) and Belgium (1%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 51 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 108% on the year.
What is the average import price of aluminium alloy rods per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.72 per kg in 2024, 44% below the world average of $4.90 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of aluminium alloy rods to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $67.2 million in 2017 to $90.9 million in 2024, an increase of 35%. The peak was 2021 at $96.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $78.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export aluminium alloy rods?
Yes. South Africa exported $11.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Arab Emirates, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $79.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for aluminium alloy rods?
The HS code for aluminium alloy rods is subheading 7604.29. It sits in HS chapter 76 (aluminium and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7604 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World aluminium alloy rods trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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