Gold scrap and waste exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $53.1 million of gold scrap and waste in 2024 (1 tonnes). Value rose 709% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 22% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $728.3 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 | $53.1M | 1 t |
| 2023 | $6.6M | 0 t |
| 2022 | $22.7M | 1 t |
| 2021 | $26.9M | 1 t |
| 2020 | $155.4M | 6 t |
| 2019 | $602.8M | 43 t |
| 2018 | $728.3M | 49 t |
| 2017 | $296.4M | 39 t |
Where South Africa exports gold scrap and waste to
Belgium alone took 76% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+114% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $40.4M | 76% |
| Germany | $11.2M | 21% |
| Mauritius | $1.5M | 2.8% |
| Croatia | $6K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0% |
| Switzerland | $1K | 0% |
| Angola | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $48,257.27 per kg, 312% above the world average of $11,700.01. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa gold scrap and waste exports (HS 7112.91): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 7112.91: Waste and scrap of precious metals: of gold, including metal clad with gold but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals.
Common questions
What is the value of gold scrap and waste exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported gold scrap and waste worth $53.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1 tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 114 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 709% on 2023.
Which countries buy gold scrap and waste from South Africa?
Belgium was the largest buyer with 76% of the value ($40.4 million), followed by Germany (21%) and Mauritius (3%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 7 buyer countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 114% on the year.
What is the average export price of gold scrap and waste per kg?
The average declared export value was about $48,257.27 per kg in 2024, 312% above the world average of $11,700.01 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of gold scrap and waste from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $296.4 million in 2017 to $53.1 million in 2024, a fall of 82%. The peak was 2018 at $728.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $236.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for gold scrap and waste?
The HS code for gold scrap and waste is subheading 7112.91. It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7112 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World gold scrap and waste trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.