Iron powder exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $20.3 million of iron powder in 2024 (69.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 78% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 16% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $70.8 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 | $20.3M | 69.6K t |
| 2023 | $11.4M | 6.7K t |
| 2022 | $12.1M | 7.4K t |
| 2021 | $11.3M | 8.1K t |
| 2020 | $12.7M | 12.3K t |
| 2019 | $18.7M | 20.7K t |
| 2018 | $21.6M | 22.0K t |
| 2017 | $70.8M | 22.2K t |
Where South Africa exports iron powder to
Saudi Arabia alone took 51% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+363% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $10.3M | 51% |
| South Korea | $2.8M | 14% |
| United States | $1.9M | 9.6% |
| Germany | $1.8M | 8.7% |
| Netherlands | $1.3M | 6.2% |
| Australia | $524K | 2.6% |
| India | $298K | 1.5% |
| Turkey | $230K | 1.1% |
| Mozambique | $201K | 1% |
| France | $157K | 0.8% |
Product types under HS 7205
| 7205.10 | Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen: granules thereof | 73% |
| 7205.29 | Iron or steel, pig iron, spiegeleisen: powders (excluding alloy steel) | 17% |
| 7205.21 | Alloy steel powders | 9.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7205.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.29 per kg, 79% below the world average of $1.41, 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 powder imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $7.9 million of iron powder in 2024 (8.0 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (30%), Spain (16%), France (13%). Among the main suppliers, Brazil grew fastest (+206% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.3M | 30% |
| Spain | $1.2M | 16% |
| France | $984K | 13% |
| India | $783K | 10% |
| Thailand | $654K | 8.3% |
| Brazil | $528K | 6.7% |
| United States | $401K | 5.1% |
| Sweden | $369K | 4.7% |
| Japan | $277K | 3.5% |
| Canada | $146K | 1.9% |
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 7205: Granules and powders, of pig iron, spiegeleisen, iron or steel.
Common questions
What is the value of iron powder exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported iron powder worth $20.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 69.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 111 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 78% on 2023.
Which countries buy iron powder from South Africa?
Saudi Arabia was the largest buyer with 51% of the value ($10.3 million), followed by South Korea (14%) and the United States (10%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 47 buyer countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 491% on the year.
What is the average export price of iron powder per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.29 per kg in 2024, 79% below the world average of $1.41 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 iron powder from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $70.8 million in 2017 to $20.3 million in 2024, a fall of 71%. The peak was 2017 at $70.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import iron powder?
Yes. South Africa imported $7.9 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 $12.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for iron powder?
The HS code for iron powder is heading 7205. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7205.10 (73% of the value) and 7205.29 (17%). 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?
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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