Metal keys imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported metal keys worth $3.9 million (168 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 24% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $3.9M | 168 t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 191 t |
| 2022 | $3.5M | 216 t |
| 2021 | $3.3M | 138 t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 117 t |
| 2019 | $3.8M | 186 t |
| 2018 | $4.6M | 271 t |
| 2017 | $3.9M | 192 t |
Where South Africa imports metal keys from
Most of the value came from China (28%), Italy (16%), Thailand (11%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+171% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.1M | 28% |
| Italy | $614K | 16% |
| Thailand | $426K | 11% |
| Spain | $357K | 9.1% |
| Japan | $273K | 6.9% |
| Germany | $259K | 6.6% |
| United Kingdom | $242K | 6.2% |
| Czech Republic | $161K | 4.1% |
| India | $116K | 2.9% |
| Finland | $86K | 2.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $23.43 per kg, close to the world average of $24.01.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Metal keys exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported metal keys worth $1.4 million (83 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were DR Congo (34%), Namibia (16%), Sweden (13%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+599% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $482K | 34% |
| Namibia | $224K | 16% |
| Sweden | $187K | 13% |
| Botswana | $151K | 11% |
| Lesotho | $80K | 5.6% |
| United Kingdom | $58K | 4.1% |
| Eswatini | $46K | 3.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $35K | 2.4% |
| Mozambique | $34K | 2.4% |
| Zambia | $27K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa metal keys imports (HS 8301.70): 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 8301.70: Keys: presented separately, of base metal.
Common questions
What is the value of metal keys imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported metal keys worth $3.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 168 tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 216 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal keys to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($1.1 million), followed by Italy (16%) and Thailand (11%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 67 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 171% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal keys per kg?
The average declared import value was about $23.43 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $24.01 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of metal keys to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.9 million in 2017 to $3.9 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2018 at $4.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export metal keys?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Namibia and Sweden. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal keys?
The HS code for metal keys is subheading 8301.70. It sits in HS chapter 83 (metal; miscellaneous products of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8301 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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