Iron granules exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported iron granules worth $14.8 million (65.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. Value rose 131% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $14.8M | 65.8K t |
| 2023 | $6.4M | 3.7K t |
| 2022 | $6.6M | 4.0K t |
| 2021 | $6.2M | 4.2K t |
| 2020 | $7.5M | 8.4K t |
| 2019 | $13.5M | 16.1K t |
| 2018 | $14.2M | 16.8K t |
| 2017 | $12.0M | 15.5K t |
Where South Africa exports iron granules to
Saudi Arabia alone took 70% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+363% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $10.3M | 70% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 9.5% |
| United States | $1.2M | 8.4% |
| Australia | $524K | 3.5% |
| India | $274K | 1.9% |
| Mozambique | $178K | 1.2% |
| Netherlands | $155K | 1.1% |
| France | $148K | 1% |
| Poland | $115K | 0.8% |
| Turkey | $71K | 0.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.22 per kg, 70% below the world average of $0.73, 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.
Iron granules imports to South Africa
Imports of iron granules by South Africa reached $5.1 million in 2024 (6.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were China (35%), Spain (25%), France (19%). Among the main suppliers, Brazil grew fastest (+206% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.8M | 36% |
| Spain | $1.2M | 25% |
| France | $984K | 20% |
| Brazil | $528K | 10% |
| Japan | $260K | 5.1% |
| United States | $84K | 1.7% |
| Thailand | $81K | 1.6% |
| Canada | $33K | 0.7% |
| United Kingdom | $20K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $16K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa iron granules exports (HS 7205.10): 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 7205.10: Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen: granules thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of iron granules exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported iron granules worth $14.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 65.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 87 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 131% on 2023.
Which countries buy iron granules from South Africa?
Saudi Arabia was the largest buyer with 70% of the value ($10.3 million), followed by Germany (9%) and the United States (8%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 34 buyer countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 460% on the year.
What is the average export price of iron granules per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.22 per kg in 2024, 70% below the world average of $0.73 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of iron granules from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $12.0 million in 2017 to $14.8 million in 2024, an increase of 23%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $10.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import iron granules?
Yes. South Africa imported $5.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Spain and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $9.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for iron granules?
The HS code for iron granules is subheading 7205.10. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7205 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
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