Copper tubes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported copper tubes worth $79.2 million (7.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 7% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $79.2M | 7.1K t |
| 2023 | $74.2M | 7.5K t |
| 2022 | $82.2M | 8.1K t |
| 2021 | $63.3M | 6.9K t |
| 2020 | $34.8M | 5.4K t |
| 2019 | $48.8M | 6.8K t |
| 2018 | $46.6M | 6.1K t |
| 2017 | $40.3M | 5.8K t |
Where South Africa exports copper tubes to
The largest buyer markets were United Arab Emirates (48%), Egypt (20%), Nigeria (5%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $37.7M | 48% |
| Egypt | $16.0M | 20% |
| Nigeria | $4.3M | 5.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $4.1M | 5.2% |
| Oman | $2.8M | 3.6% |
| Botswana | $2.5M | 3.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.3M | 2.9% |
| Ghana | $2.1M | 2.6% |
| Namibia | $1.5M | 1.9% |
| Germany | $1.5M | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 7411
| 7411.10 | Copper: tubes and pipes, of refined copper | 80% |
| 7411.29 | Copper: tubes and pipes, of copper alloys (other than copper-zinc, copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys… | 16% |
| 7411.21 | Copper: tubes and pipes, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass) | 3.3% |
| 7411.22 | Copper: tubes and pipes, of copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel silver) | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7411.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.10 per kg, close to the world average of $10.65.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Copper tubes imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $21.0 million of copper tubes in 2024 (1.9 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 86% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $17.9M | 86% |
| United States | $538K | 2.6% |
| Italy | $526K | 2.5% |
| Germany | $460K | 2.2% |
| Greece | $449K | 2.1% |
| United Kingdom | $408K | 2% |
| India | $264K | 1.3% |
| Hong Kong | $87K | 0.4% |
| Canada | $63K | 0.3% |
| Australia | $49K | 0.2% |
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 7411: Copper tubes and pipes.
Common questions
What is the value of copper tubes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported copper tubes worth $79.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 129 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries buy copper tubes from South Africa?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest buyer with 48% of the value ($37.7 million), followed by Egypt (20%) and Nigeria (5%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 49 buyer countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 181% on the year.
What is the average export price of copper tubes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $11.10 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $10.65 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 tubes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $40.3 million in 2017 to $79.2 million in 2024, an increase of 97%. The peak was 2022 at $82.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import copper tubes?
Yes. South Africa imported $21.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United States and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $58.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for copper tubes?
The HS code for copper tubes is heading 7411. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7411.10 (80% of the value) and 7411.29 (16%). It sits in HS chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7411 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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