Copper sheet exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $9.8 million of copper sheet in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). That is 24% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $12.9 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 | $9.8M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $12.9M | 2.2K t |
| 2022 | $12.5M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $11.6M | 5.1K t |
| 2020 | $8.1M | 3.7K t |
| 2019 | $6.9M | 3.8K t |
| 2018 | $8.0M | 4.6K t |
| 2017 | $2.9M | 434 t |
Where South Africa exports copper sheet to
The largest buyer markets were Netherlands (33%), Germany (33%), India (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+712% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $3.2M | 33% |
| Germany | $3.2M | 33% |
| India | $1.0M | 11% |
| Zambia | $474K | 4.8% |
| Namibia | $381K | 3.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $327K | 3.3% |
| Eswatini | $301K | 3.1% |
| Singapore | $253K | 2.6% |
| Italy | $151K | 1.5% |
| Japan | $86K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 7409
| 7409.40 | Copper: plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys… | 66% |
| 7409.19 | Copper: plates and sheets, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of refined copper, not in coils | 15% |
| 7409.11 | Copper: strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of refined copper, in coils | 9.5% |
| 7409.21 | Copper: strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass), in coils | 4.7% |
| 7409.90 | Copper: plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper alloys (other than copper-zinc base alloys, copper-tin base alloys… | 2.6% |
| 7409.29 | Copper: plates and sheets, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass), not in coils | 1.2% |
| 7409.39 | Copper: plates and sheets, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-tin base alloys, not in coils | 1.1% |
| 7409.31 | Copper: strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-tin base alloys (bronze), in coils | 0.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7409.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.44 per kg, 32% below the world average of $11.00, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Copper sheet imports to South Africa
Imports of copper sheet by South Africa reached $6.6 million in 2024 (670 tonnes). Germany alone supplied 52% of it. Among the main suppliers, Finland grew fastest (+340% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $3.5M | 53% |
| Finland | $1.4M | 22% |
| China | $897K | 14% |
| Italy | $394K | 6% |
| South Korea | $109K | 1.7% |
| Netherlands | $77K | 1.2% |
| India | $60K | 0.9% |
| United States | $58K | 0.9% |
| United Kingdom | $33K | 0.5% |
| France | $27K | 0.4% |
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 7409: Copper plates, sheets and strip; of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm.
Common questions
What is the value of copper sheet exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported copper sheet worth $9.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 138 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 24% on 2023.
Which countries buy copper sheet from South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest buyer with 33% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by Germany (33%) and India (10%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 41 buyer countries in total. Eswatini grew fastest among the top ten, up 712% on the year.
What is the average export price of copper sheet per kg?
The average declared export value was about $7.44 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $11.00 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 sheet from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.9 million in 2017 to $9.8 million in 2024, an increase of 236%. The peak was 2023 at $12.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import copper sheet?
Yes. South Africa imported $6.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, Finland and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for copper sheet?
The HS code for copper sheet is heading 7409. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7409.40 (65% of the value) and 7409.19 (15%). It sits in HS chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7409 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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