Copper scrap exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported copper scrap worth $50.6 million (8.2 thousand tonnes). That is 133% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 17% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $194.1 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 | $50.6M | 8.2K t |
| 2023 | $21.7M | 4.3K t |
| 2022 | $59.0M | 11.2K t |
| 2021 | $33.6M | 7.5K t |
| 2020 | $37.8M | 7.3K t |
| 2019 | $74.4M | 19.4K t |
| 2018 | $105.8M | 23.5K t |
| 2017 | $194.1M | 35.1K t |
Where South Africa exports copper scrap to
Most of it went to China (35%), South Korea (29%), Mauritius (13%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+303% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $17.5M | 35% |
| South Korea | $14.9M | 30% |
| Mauritius | $6.4M | 13% |
| Sweden | $6.1M | 12% |
| Sri Lanka | $1.7M | 3.4% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 2.6% |
| India | $842K | 1.7% |
| Hong Kong | $456K | 0.9% |
| Belgium | $315K | 0.6% |
| Spain | $299K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.19 per kg, close to the world average of $6.44.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Copper scrap imports to South Africa
Imports of copper scrap by South Africa reached $30.3 million in 2024 (7.1 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Botswana (19%), Zambia (13%), Morocco (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 44%. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+336% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $5.6M | 19% |
| Zambia | $4.0M | 13% |
| Morocco | $3.7M | 12% |
| Togo | $2.8M | 9.3% |
| DR Congo | $2.1M | 7.1% |
| Malawi | $2.1M | 7% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $1.9M | 6.4% |
| Namibia | $1.7M | 5.5% |
| United Kingdom | $1.6M | 5.4% |
| Eswatini | $1.4M | 4.6% |
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 7404: Copper; waste and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of copper scrap exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported copper scrap worth $50.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 75th of 198 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 133% on 2023.
Which countries buy copper scrap from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 35% of the value ($17.5 million), followed by South Korea (29%) and Mauritius (13%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 17 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 303% on the year.
What is the average export price of copper scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $6.19 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $6.44 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 scrap from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $194.1 million in 2017 to $50.6 million in 2024, a fall of 74%. The peak was 2017 at $194.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import copper scrap?
Yes. South Africa imported $30.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Botswana, Zambia and Morocco. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $20.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for copper scrap?
The HS code for copper scrap is heading 7404. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7404.00. It sits in HS chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7404 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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