Gas cylinders imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported gas cylinders worth $37.2 million (21.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 24% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $50.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $37.2M | 21.8K t |
| 2023 | $49.0M | 25.8K t |
| 2022 | $36.6M | 40.5K t |
| 2021 | $31.6M | 16.7K t |
| 2020 | $26.1M | 15.6K t |
| 2019 | $50.2M | 17.8K t |
| 2018 | $26.1M | 12.5K t |
| 2017 | $24.3M | 13.3K t |
Where South Africa imports gas cylinders from
The largest suppliers were Thailand (31%), China (24%), India (20%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+103% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $11.5M | 31% |
| China | $9.1M | 24% |
| India | $7.4M | 20% |
| Austria | $2.5M | 6.6% |
| Italy | $1.4M | 3.7% |
| United States | $921K | 2.5% |
| Germany | $784K | 2.1% |
| Turkey | $632K | 1.7% |
| Czech Republic | $505K | 1.4% |
| United Kingdom | $456K | 1.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.70 per kg, 49% below the world average of $3.36, 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.
Gas cylinders exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported gas cylinders worth $8.1 million (2.9 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (23%), Zimbabwe (17%), Namibia (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+313% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $1.9M | 23% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.4M | 17% |
| Namibia | $761K | 9.4% |
| Mozambique | $683K | 8.5% |
| Lesotho | $589K | 7.3% |
| Botswana | $520K | 6.5% |
| Angola | $297K | 3.7% |
| DR Congo | $276K | 3.4% |
| Australia | $232K | 2.9% |
| Eswatini | $213K | 2.6% |
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 7311: Containers for compressed or liquefied gas, of iron or steel.
Common questions
What is the value of gas cylinders imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported gas cylinders worth $37.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 21.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 218 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply gas cylinders to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($11.5 million), followed by China (24%) and India (20%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 74 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 103% on the year.
What is the average import price of gas cylinders per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.70 per kg in 2024, 49% below the world average of $3.36 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 imports of gas cylinders to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $24.3 million in 2017 to $37.2 million in 2024, an increase of 53%. The peak was 2019 at $50.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export gas cylinders?
Yes. South Africa exported $8.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $29.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for gas cylinders?
The HS code for gas cylinders is heading 7311. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7311.00. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7311 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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