Cast iron articles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $33.4 million of cast iron articles in 2024 (20.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 13% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $55.5 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 | $33.4M | 20.5K t |
| 2023 | $38.2M | 22.4K t |
| 2022 | $40.6M | 18.6K t |
| 2021 | $38.7M | 26.2K t |
| 2020 | $39.9M | 27.3K t |
| 2019 | $47.1M | 36.9K t |
| 2018 | $55.5M | 40.5K t |
| 2017 | $42.4M | 30.7K t |
Where South Africa imports cast iron articles from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 62% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $20.7M | 62% |
| India | $5.3M | 16% |
| Canada | $1.7M | 5% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 4.9% |
| France | $1.6M | 4.8% |
| United States | $332K | 1% |
| Slovakia | $240K | 0.7% |
| Ecuador | $224K | 0.7% |
| Ireland | $209K | 0.6% |
| Botswana | $174K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 7325
| 7325.91 | Iron: grinding balls and similar articles for mills, other than of non-malleable cast iron | 55% |
| 7325.99 | Iron or steel: cast articles, excluding grinding balls and similar articles for mills, other than of non-malleable cast iron | 32% |
| 7325.10 | Iron: articles of non-malleable cast iron | 14% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7325.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.63 per kg, 35% below the world average of $2.50, 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.
Cast iron articles exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cast iron articles worth $25.6 million (11.3 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (23%), Botswana (22%), Canada (13%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+161% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $6.0M | 24% |
| Botswana | $5.7M | 22% |
| Canada | $3.4M | 13% |
| Namibia | $2.6M | 10% |
| DR Congo | $1.5M | 6% |
| United States | $647K | 2.5% |
| Ghana | $531K | 2.1% |
| Eswatini | $464K | 1.8% |
| Mozambique | $448K | 1.8% |
| Netherlands | $399K | 1.6% |
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 7325: Iron or steel; cast articles.
Common questions
What is the value of cast iron articles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cast iron articles worth $33.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 20.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply cast iron articles to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 62% of the value ($20.7 million), followed by India (16%) and Canada (5%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 56 supplier countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 141% on the year.
What is the average import price of cast iron articles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.63 per kg in 2024, 35% below the world average of $2.50 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 cast iron articles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $42.4 million in 2017 to $33.4 million in 2024, a fall of 21%. The peak was 2018 at $55.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export cast iron articles?
Yes. South Africa exported $25.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Canada. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for cast iron articles?
The HS code for cast iron articles is heading 7325. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7325.91 (55% of the value) and 7325.99 (32%). It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7325 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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