Aluminium cables imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of aluminium cables by South Africa reached $5.1 million in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). That is 40% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $7.9 million.
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 | $5.1M | 1.8K t |
| 2023 | $3.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $2.2M | 585 t |
| 2021 | $3.0M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $1.5M | 504 t |
| 2019 | $7.9M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $5.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $5.9M | 2.2K t |
Where South Africa imports aluminium cables from
China alone supplied 82% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+143% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.1M | 82% |
| Mozambique | $653K | 13% |
| India | $198K | 3.9% |
| Italy | $41K | 0.8% |
| Bahrain | $24K | 0.5% |
| Japan | $2K | 0% |
| United States | $1K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0% |
| Ireland | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 7614
| 7614.10 | Aluminium: stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like, (not electrically insulated), with steel core | 82% |
| 7614.90 | Aluminium: stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like, (not electrically insulated), other than steel core | 18% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7614.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.78 per kg, 29% below the world average of $3.90, 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 cables exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported aluminium cables worth $3.4 million (776 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (46%), Eswatini (25%), France (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+364% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $1.6M | 46% |
| Eswatini | $853K | 25% |
| France | $417K | 12% |
| Namibia | $297K | 8.7% |
| Lesotho | $88K | 2.6% |
| Mozambique | $84K | 2.5% |
| Botswana | $50K | 1.5% |
| Tanzania | $14K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $11K | 0.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $8K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 7614: Aluminium; stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like, (not electrically insulated).
Common questions
What is the value of aluminium cables imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported aluminium cables worth $5.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 71st of 192 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 40% on 2023.
Which countries supply aluminium cables to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 82% of the value ($4.1 million), followed by Mozambique (13%) and India (4%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 143% on the year.
What is the average import price of aluminium cables per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.78 per kg in 2024, 29% below the world average of $3.90 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of aluminium cables to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.9 million in 2017 to $5.1 million in 2024, a fall of 14%. The peak was 2019 at $7.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export aluminium cables?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Eswatini and France. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for aluminium cables?
The HS code for aluminium cables is heading 7614. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7614.10 (82% of the value) and 7614.90 (18%). It sits in HS chapter 76 (aluminium and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7614 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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