Cast iron scrap exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $12.2 million of cast iron scrap in 2024 (39.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 424% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $32.5 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $12.2M | 39.7K t |
| 2023 | $2.3M | 7.1K t |
| 2022 | $8.3M | 25.3K t |
| 2021 | $4.2M | 11.3K t |
| 2020 | $3.3M | 11.0K t |
| 2019 | $7.0M | 20.2K t |
| 2018 | $32.5M | 101.0K t |
| 2017 | $18.7M | 60.6K t |
Where South Africa exports cast iron scrap to
One buyer market dominates: India accounted for 68% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+261% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $8.3M | 68% |
| Kenya | $2.2M | 18% |
| Pakistan | $1.6M | 13% |
| Uganda | $19K | 0.2% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $0K | 0% |
| Thailand | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.31 per kg, close to the world average of $0.38.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cast iron scrap imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $1.1 million of cast iron scrap in 2024 (5.9 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Botswana accounted for 92% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.0M | 92% |
| Zimbabwe | $66K | 6% |
| Japan | $8K | 0.7% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 0.4% |
| Panama | $3K | 0.3% |
| Zambia | $2K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $2K | 0.2% |
| India | $1K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cast iron scrap exports (HS 7204.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 7204.10: Ferrous waste and scrap: of cast iron.
Common questions
What is the value of cast iron scrap exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported cast iron scrap worth $12.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 39.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 147 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 424% on 2023.
Which countries buy cast iron scrap from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 68% of the value ($8.3 million), followed by Kenya (18%) and Pakistan (13%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 7 buyer countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 261% on the year.
What is the average export price of cast iron scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.31 per kg in 2024, 18% below the world average of $0.38 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of cast iron scrap from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $18.7 million in 2017 to $12.2 million in 2024, a fall of 35%. The peak was 2018 at $32.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import cast iron scrap?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Botswana, Zimbabwe and Japan. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $11.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for cast iron scrap?
The HS code for cast iron scrap is subheading 7204.10. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7204 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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