Cast iron pipes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of cast iron pipes by South Africa reached $2.3 million in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Value fell 39% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 18% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $12.0 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 | $2.3M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $3.7M | 2.1K t |
| 2022 | $3.6M | 1.5K t |
| 2021 | $9.6M | 5.0K t |
| 2020 | $11.7M | 8.7K t |
| 2019 | $7.2M | 6.2K t |
| 2018 | $12.0M | 8.2K t |
| 2017 | $9.3M | 8.0K t |
Where South Africa exports cast iron pipes to
The largest buyer markets were Botswana (29%), Namibia (19%), Mozambique (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+323% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $674K | 29% |
| Namibia | $436K | 19% |
| Mozambique | $356K | 16% |
| Zambia | $321K | 14% |
| Eswatini | $119K | 5.2% |
| DR Congo | $101K | 4.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $69K | 3% |
| Angola | $59K | 2.6% |
| Lesotho | $41K | 1.8% |
| Mauritius | $25K | 1.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.74 per kg, 40% above the world average of $1.24. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cast iron pipes imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported cast iron pipes worth $807 thousand (833 tonnes). Most of the value came from China (36%), Austria (33%), India (15%). Among the main suppliers, Botswana grew fastest (+420% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $294K | 36% |
| Austria | $266K | 33% |
| India | $121K | 15% |
| Germany | $48K | 5.9% |
| Botswana | $28K | 3.4% |
| France | $20K | 2.5% |
| Singapore | $10K | 1.2% |
| Iran | $5K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $5K | 0.6% |
| Japan | $3K | 0.4% |
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
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 7303: Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, of cast iron.
Common questions
What is the value of cast iron pipes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported cast iron pipes worth $2.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 121 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 39% on 2023.
Which countries buy cast iron pipes from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 29% of the value ($674 thousand), followed by Namibia (19%) and Mozambique (15%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 34 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 323% on the year.
What is the average export price of cast iron pipes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.74 per kg in 2024, 40% above the world average of $1.24 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 cast iron pipes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $9.3 million in 2017 to $2.3 million in 2024, a fall of 75%. The peak was 2018 at $12.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import cast iron pipes?
Yes. South Africa imported $807 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Austria and India. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for cast iron pipes?
The HS code for cast iron pipes is heading 7303. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7303.00. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7303 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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