Coated arc welding electrodes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported coated arc welding electrodes worth $12.2 million (3.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 15% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $12.2M | 3.1K t |
| 2023 | $10.7M | 3.3K t |
| 2022 | $10.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2021 | $8.8M | 2.6K t |
| 2020 | $7.4M | 2.6K t |
| 2019 | $7.7M | 2.4K t |
| 2018 | $8.5M | 2.6K t |
| 2017 | $7.2M | 2.1K t |
Where South Africa exports coated arc welding electrodes to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (24%), Zambia (18%), Namibia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+105% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $3.0M | 24% |
| Zambia | $2.3M | 18% |
| Namibia | $1.4M | 11% |
| Mozambique | $1.3M | 10% |
| Malawi | $1.0M | 8.3% |
| DR Congo | $735K | 6% |
| Eswatini | $637K | 5.2% |
| Botswana | $395K | 3.2% |
| Angola | $378K | 3.1% |
| Tanzania | $233K | 1.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.92 per kg, 82% above the world average of $2.15. 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.
Coated arc welding electrodes imports to South Africa
Imports of coated arc welding electrodes by South Africa reached $9.0 million in 2024 (5.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were China (45%), Sweden (13%), Indonesia (10%). Among the main suppliers, Romania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.1M | 45% |
| Sweden | $1.2M | 13% |
| Indonesia | $878K | 9.8% |
| Thailand | $586K | 6.5% |
| India | $515K | 5.7% |
| United States | $351K | 3.9% |
| Taiwan | $272K | 3% |
| Romania | $254K | 2.8% |
| Czech Republic | $153K | 1.7% |
| Germany | $122K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa coated arc welding electrodes exports (HS 8311.10): 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 8311.10: Electrodes: coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding.
Common questions
What is the value of coated arc welding electrodes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported coated arc welding electrodes worth $12.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 141 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries buy coated arc welding electrodes from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 24% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Zambia (18%) and Namibia (11%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 50 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 105% on the year.
What is the average export price of coated arc welding electrodes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.92 per kg in 2024, 82% above the world average of $2.15 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of coated arc welding electrodes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $7.2 million in 2017 to $12.2 million in 2024, an increase of 71%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $9.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import coated arc welding electrodes?
Yes. South Africa imported $9.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Sweden and Indonesia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for coated arc welding electrodes?
The HS code for coated arc welding electrodes is subheading 8311.10. It sits in HS chapter 83 (metal; miscellaneous products of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8311 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World coated arc welding electrodes trade: top importers and exporters
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