Copper cables imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of copper cables by South Africa reached $7.0 million in 2024 (567 tonnes). Value rose 46% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 16% a year on average.
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 | $7.0M | 567 t |
| 2023 | $4.8M | 328 t |
| 2022 | $4.6M | 325 t |
| 2021 | $3.8M | 266 t |
| 2020 | $2.2M | 196 t |
| 2019 | $5.2M | 497 t |
| 2018 | $865K | 69 t |
| 2017 | $2.5M | 527 t |
Where South Africa imports copper cables from
One supplier dominates: Turkey accounted for 64% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+436% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $4.5M | 64% |
| India | $1.1M | 15% |
| China | $876K | 13% |
| Saudi Arabia | $275K | 3.9% |
| Germany | $109K | 1.6% |
| United States | $65K | 0.9% |
| France | $42K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $37K | 0.5% |
| Italy | $16K | 0.2% |
| Zambia | $11K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.35 per kg, 24% above the world average of $9.92. 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.
Copper cables exports from South Africa
Exports of copper cables by South Africa reached $2.0 million in 2024 (284 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (47%), Eswatini (11%), Botswana (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $920K | 47% |
| Eswatini | $207K | 11% |
| Botswana | $116K | 5.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $107K | 5.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $100K | 5.1% |
| Madagascar | $88K | 4.5% |
| Mozambique | $83K | 4.2% |
| Lesotho | $81K | 4.1% |
| DR Congo | $75K | 3.8% |
| Namibia | $68K | 3.5% |
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 7413: Copper; stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like, not electrically insulated.
Common questions
What is the value of copper cables imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported copper cables worth $7.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 567 tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 205 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 46% on 2023.
Which countries supply copper cables to South Africa?
Turkey was the largest supplier with 64% of the value ($4.5 million), followed by India (15%) and China (13%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 36 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 436% on the year.
What is the average import price of copper cables per kg?
The average declared import value was about $12.35 per kg in 2024, 24% above the world average of $9.92 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 copper cables to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.5 million in 2017 to $7.0 million in 2024, an increase of 184%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export copper cables?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Eswatini and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for copper cables?
The HS code for copper cables is heading 7413. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7413.00. It sits in HS chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7413 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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