Copper ingots exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $560.8 million of copper ingots in 2024 (68.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 4% less 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 | $560.8M | 68.1K t |
| 2023 | $581.3M | 67.2K t |
| 2022 | $493.9M | 66.7K t |
| 2021 | $452.5M | 59.4K t |
| 2020 | $319.1M | 50.7K t |
| 2019 | $343.4M | 48.3K t |
| 2018 | $514.5M | 77.8K t |
| 2017 | $451.0M | 73.0K t |
Where South Africa exports copper ingots to
China alone took 76% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+496% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $426.6M | 76% |
| Italy | $36.3M | 6.5% |
| Netherlands | $33.5M | 6% |
| Hong Kong | $12.8M | 2.3% |
| Brazil | $12.0M | 2.1% |
| Germany | $9.2M | 1.7% |
| Thailand | $7.8M | 1.4% |
| Belgium | $6.5M | 1.2% |
| Singapore | $5.3M | 0.9% |
| Malaysia | $3.4M | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 7403
| 7403.11 | Copper: refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes | 46% |
| 7403.19 | Copper: refined, unwrought, n.e.c. in item no. 7403.1 | 45% |
| 7403.21 | Copper: copper-zinc base alloys (brass) unwrought | 5.2% |
| 7403.13 | Copper: refined, unwrought, billets | 3.8% |
| 7403.22 | Copper: copper-tin base alloys (bronze) unwrought | 0.6% |
| 7403.29 | Copper: copper alloys n.e.c. in heading no. 7403 (other than master alloys of heading no. 7405) | 0.1% |
| 7403.12 | Copper: refined, unwrought, wire-bars | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7403.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.24 per kg, close to the world average of $9.12.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Copper ingots imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported copper ingots worth $209.0 million (21.8 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Zambia accounted for 57% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $120.2M | 58% |
| DR Congo | $78.3M | 38% |
| Malaysia | $4.4M | 2.1% |
| Namibia | $1.9M | 0.9% |
| China | $1.7M | 0.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $907K | 0.4% |
| Italy | $519K | 0.3% |
| Spain | $279K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $255K | 0.1% |
| United States | $188K | 0.1% |
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 7403: Copper; refined and copper alloys, unwrought.
Common questions
What is the value of copper ingots exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported copper ingots worth $560.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 68.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 150 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries buy copper ingots from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 76% of the value ($426.6 million), followed by Italy (6%) and the Netherlands (6%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 34 buyer countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 496% on the year.
What is the average export price of copper ingots per kg?
The average declared export value was about $8.24 per kg in 2024, 10% below the world average of $9.12 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 copper ingots from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $451.0 million in 2017 to $560.8 million in 2024, an increase of 24%. The peak was 2023 at $581.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import copper ingots?
Yes. South Africa imported $209.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zambia, the DR Congo and Malaysia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $351.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for copper ingots?
The HS code for copper ingots is heading 7403. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7403.11 (46% of the value) and 7403.19 (44%). It sits in HS chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7403 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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