Copper slag exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of copper slag by South Africa reached $14.4 million in 2024 (5.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 21% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $18.3 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 | $14.4M | 5.8K t |
| 2023 | $18.3M | 22.7K t |
| 2022 | $17.8M | 8.0K t |
| 2021 | $17.9M | 7.7K t |
| 2020 | $18.1M | 14.7K t |
| 2019 | $9.4M | 4.8K t |
| 2018 | $13.0M | 6.0K t |
| 2017 | $16.1M | 6.7K t |
Where South Africa exports copper slag to
The largest buyer markets were Thailand (28%), Germany (19%), Spain (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+210% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $4.0M | 28% |
| Germany | $2.8M | 19% |
| Spain | $2.6M | 18% |
| Belgium | $1.8M | 13% |
| Sri Lanka | $1.4M | 9.7% |
| China | $903K | 6.3% |
| Netherlands | $880K | 6.1% |
| Mozambique | $11K | 0.1% |
| Turkey | $3K | 0% |
| DR Congo | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.47 per kg, close to the world average of $2.50.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Copper slag imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported copper slag worth $627 thousand (75 tonnes). United Arab Emirates alone supplied 99% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $624K | 100% |
| Chile | $3K | 0.5% |
| China | $0K | 0% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa copper slag exports (HS 2620.30): 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 2620.30: Slag, ash and residues: (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly copper.
Common questions
What is the value of copper slag exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported copper slag worth $14.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 81 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 21% on 2023.
Which countries buy copper slag from South Africa?
Thailand was the largest buyer with 28% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by Germany (19%) and Spain (18%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 12 buyer countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 210% on the year.
What is the average export price of copper slag per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.47 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.50 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of copper slag from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $16.1 million in 2017 to $14.4 million in 2024, a fall of 11%. The peak was 2023 at $18.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import copper slag?
Yes. South Africa imported $627 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United Arab Emirates, Chile and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $13.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for copper slag?
The HS code for copper slag is subheading 2620.30. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2620 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.
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