Metal cutting blades imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of metal cutting blades by South Africa reached $2.2 million in 2024 (166 tonnes). Value fell 5% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $3.0 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 | $2.2M | 166 t |
| 2023 | $2.3M | 194 t |
| 2022 | $1.9M | 122 t |
| 2021 | $1.7M | 168 t |
| 2020 | $1.5M | 109 t |
| 2019 | $1.7M | 115 t |
| 2018 | $3.0M | 131 t |
| 2017 | $2.5M | 123 t |
Where South Africa imports metal cutting blades from
The largest suppliers were China (46%), Germany (14%), United States (9%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+342% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $992K | 46% |
| Germany | $310K | 14% |
| United States | $190K | 8.8% |
| United Kingdom | $126K | 5.9% |
| Netherlands | $97K | 4.5% |
| Japan | $71K | 3.3% |
| Italy | $67K | 3.1% |
| Canada | $59K | 2.7% |
| Czech Republic | $47K | 2.2% |
| Austria | $44K | 2.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.94 per kg, 70% below the world average of $42.48, 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.
Metal cutting blades exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.5 million of metal cutting blades in 2024 (173 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: United States accounted for 70% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Canada grew fastest (+444% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.0M | 70% |
| Canada | $88K | 5.9% |
| Namibia | $47K | 3.1% |
| Singapore | $46K | 3.1% |
| Eswatini | $40K | 2.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $35K | 2.3% |
| DR Congo | $30K | 2% |
| Mozambique | $29K | 1.9% |
| India | $28K | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $21K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa metal cutting blades imports (HS 8208.10): 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 8208.10: Tools: knives and cutting blades, for machines or for mechanical appliances, for metal working.
Common questions
What is the value of metal cutting blades imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported metal cutting blades worth $2.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 166 tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 197 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal cutting blades to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($992 thousand), followed by Germany (14%) and the United States (9%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 37 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 342% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal cutting blades per kg?
The average declared import value was about $12.94 per kg in 2024, 70% below the world average of $42.48 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of metal cutting blades to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.5 million in 2017 to $2.2 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2018 at $3.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export metal cutting blades?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Canada and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $645 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for metal cutting blades?
The HS code for metal cutting blades is subheading 8208.10. It sits in HS chapter 82 (tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8208 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 metal cutting blades trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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