Aluminium drums exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported aluminium drums worth $59.6 million (15.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 10% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $99.5 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 | $59.6M | 15.7K t |
| 2023 | $54.1M | 14.9K t |
| 2022 | $61.6M | 16.3K t |
| 2021 | $99.5M | 25.5K t |
| 2020 | $67.5M | 20.9K t |
| 2019 | $83.8M | 33.7K t |
| 2018 | $62.2M | 20.4K t |
| 2017 | $48.1M | 32.2K t |
Where South Africa exports aluminium drums to
Most of it went to Zambia (32%), Mozambique (19%), Botswana (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+158% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $19.3M | 32% |
| Mozambique | $11.3M | 19% |
| Botswana | $9.7M | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $8.0M | 13% |
| Namibia | $6.1M | 10% |
| Argentina | $3.7M | 6.3% |
| Lesotho | $728K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $268K | 0.5% |
| United States | $101K | 0.2% |
| Netherlands | $86K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 7612
| 7612.90 | Aluminium: casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or less, whether or not lined or… | 100% |
| 7612.10 | Aluminium: collapsible tubular containers, for any material, (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or less, whether or not lined, not… | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7612.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.80 per kg, 52% below the world average of $7.86, 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 drums imports to South Africa
Imports of aluminium drums by South Africa reached $20.5 million in 2024 (2.7 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Nigeria (19%), Thailand (17%), Sri Lanka (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 48%. Among the main suppliers, Nigeria grew fastest (+884% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $3.8M | 19% |
| Thailand | $3.5M | 17% |
| Sri Lanka | $2.5M | 12% |
| Pakistan | $2.3M | 11% |
| United Arab Emirates | $2.2M | 11% |
| India | $2.0M | 10% |
| China | $1.5M | 7.1% |
| Turkey | $508K | 2.5% |
| Germany | $417K | 2% |
| Switzerland | $403K | 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
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 7612: Aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not.
Common questions
What is the value of aluminium drums exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported aluminium drums worth $59.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 161 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries buy aluminium drums from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 32% of the value ($19.3 million), followed by Mozambique (19%) and Botswana (16%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 49 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 158% on the year.
What is the average export price of aluminium drums per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.80 per kg in 2024, 52% below the world average of $7.86 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 exports of aluminium drums from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $48.1 million in 2017 to $59.6 million in 2024, an increase of 24%. The peak was 2021 at $99.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import aluminium drums?
Yes. South Africa imported $20.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Nigeria, Thailand and Sri Lanka. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $39.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for aluminium drums?
The HS code for aluminium drums is heading 7612. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7612.90 (100% of the value) and 7612.10 (0%). It sits in HS chapter 76 (aluminium and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7612 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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.