Aluminium scrap exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $63.2 million of aluminium scrap in 2024 (34.9 thousand tonnes). Value fell 20% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $116.0 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 | $63.2M | 34.9K t |
| 2023 | $79.4M | 50.7K t |
| 2022 | $108.5M | 63.2K t |
| 2021 | $100.0M | 64.8K t |
| 2020 | $72.7M | 62.6K t |
| 2019 | $99.4M | 76.8K t |
| 2018 | $116.0M | 76.9K t |
| 2017 | $97.0M | 66.1K t |
Where South Africa exports aluminium scrap to
Most of it went to South Korea (39%), India (17%), France (13%). Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+348% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $24.4M | 39% |
| India | $10.7M | 17% |
| France | $8.0M | 13% |
| Brazil | $6.5M | 10% |
| Thailand | $3.2M | 5.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $2.7M | 4.3% |
| Greece | $1.5M | 2.3% |
| China | $1.3M | 2% |
| Hong Kong | $1.2M | 2% |
| Mauritius | $1.1M | 1.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.81 per kg, close to the world average of $1.78.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Aluminium scrap imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $7.6 million of aluminium scrap in 2024 (9.0 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Botswana (27%), Saudi Arabia (20%), United Kingdom (17%). Among the main suppliers, Denmark grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $2.0M | 27% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1.5M | 20% |
| United Kingdom | $1.3M | 17% |
| Namibia | $545K | 7.2% |
| Spain | $472K | 6.2% |
| Nigeria | $435K | 5.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $338K | 4.5% |
| Zambia | $279K | 3.7% |
| Denmark | $123K | 1.6% |
| Panama | $103K | 1.4% |
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 7602: Aluminium; waste and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of aluminium scrap exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported aluminium scrap worth $63.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 34.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 201 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 20% on 2023.
Which countries buy aluminium scrap from South Africa?
South Korea was the largest buyer with 39% of the value ($24.4 million), followed by India (17%) and France (13%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 24 buyer countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 348% on the year.
What is the average export price of aluminium scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.81 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.78 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 scrap from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $97.0 million in 2017 to $63.2 million in 2024, a fall of 35%. The peak was 2018 at $116.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import aluminium scrap?
Yes. South Africa imported $7.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Botswana, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $55.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for aluminium scrap?
The HS code for aluminium scrap is heading 7602. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7602.00. It sits in HS chapter 76 (aluminium and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7602 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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