Aluminium rods imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported aluminium rods worth $126.3 million (44.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 19% 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 | $126.3M | 44.8K t |
| 2023 | $105.9M | 35.2K t |
| 2022 | $137.6M | 41.8K t |
| 2021 | $139.6M | 44.7K t |
| 2020 | $96.3M | 60.8K t |
| 2019 | $135.9M | 40.2K t |
| 2018 | $141.8M | 39.2K t |
| 2017 | $154.2M | 42.5K t |
Where South Africa imports aluminium rods from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 89% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $112.9M | 89% |
| India | $3.7M | 3% |
| Mauritius | $993K | 0.8% |
| Belgium | $970K | 0.8% |
| France | $847K | 0.7% |
| Germany | $824K | 0.7% |
| Italy | $548K | 0.4% |
| Turkey | $530K | 0.4% |
| South Korea | $506K | 0.4% |
| Malaysia | $463K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 7604
| 7604.29 | Aluminium: alloys, bars, rods and profiles, other than hollow | 72% |
| 7604.21 | Aluminium: alloys, hollow profiles | 19% |
| 7604.10 | Aluminium: (not alloyed), bars, rods and profiles | 9.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7604.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.82 per kg, 42% below the world average of $4.88, 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 rods exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported aluminium rods worth $55.2 million (5.6 thousand tonnes). United Arab Emirates alone took 68% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+516% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $37.5M | 68% |
| Czech Republic | $4.2M | 7.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.0M | 5.4% |
| Mozambique | $2.1M | 3.9% |
| Zambia | $1.7M | 3% |
| Eswatini | $1.6M | 2.9% |
| Lesotho | $778K | 1.4% |
| Malawi | $639K | 1.2% |
| DR Congo | $548K | 1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $487K | 0.9% |
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 7604: Aluminium; bars, rods and profiles.
Common questions
What is the value of aluminium rods imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported aluminium rods worth $126.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 44.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 217 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply aluminium rods to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 89% of the value ($112.9 million), followed by India (3%) and Mauritius (1%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 60 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 51% on the year.
What is the average import price of aluminium rods per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.82 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $4.88 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 rods to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $154.2 million in 2017 to $126.3 million in 2024, a fall of 18%. The peak was 2017 at $154.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export aluminium rods?
Yes. South Africa exported $55.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Arab Emirates, the Czech Republic and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $71.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for aluminium rods?
The HS code for aluminium rods is heading 7604. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7604.29 (72% of the value) and 7604.21 (19%). 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?
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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