Metal mold imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $88.0 million of metal mold in 2024 (6.9 thousand tonnes). That is 17% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $134.0 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 | $88.0M | 6.9K t |
| 2023 | $106.2M | 7.1K t |
| 2022 | $109.1M | 8.6K t |
| 2021 | $117.4M | 8.8K t |
| 2020 | $134.0M | 9.8K t |
| 2019 | $76.8M | 8.4K t |
| 2018 | $77.2M | 7.4K t |
| 2017 | $119.6M | 8.6K t |
Where South Africa imports metal mold from
Most of the value came from China (39%), Germany (13%), Italy (9%). Among the main suppliers, Luxembourg grew fastest (+310% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $34.2M | 39% |
| Germany | $11.4M | 13% |
| Italy | $8.1M | 9.2% |
| India | $6.4M | 7.2% |
| Croatia | $4.8M | 5.4% |
| Turkey | $4.2M | 4.8% |
| Taiwan | $2.5M | 2.8% |
| Australia | $2.1M | 2.4% |
| Luxembourg | $1.9M | 2.2% |
| United States | $1.8M | 2% |
Product types under HS 8480
| 8480.71 | Moulds: for rubber or plastics, injection or compression types | 54% |
| 8480.79 | Moulds: for rubber or plastics, other than injection or compression types | 20% |
| 8480.50 | Moulds: for glass | 10% |
| 8480.49 | Moulds: for metal or metal carbides, other than injection or compression types | 4.5% |
| 8480.60 | Moulds: for mineral materials | 4% |
| 8480.41 | Moulds: for metal or metal carbides, injection or compression types | 3.4% |
| 8480.30 | Moulding patterns: of metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics | 3.1% |
| 8480.20 | Mould bases: for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics | 1.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8480.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.82 per kg, close to the world average of $15.98.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Metal mold exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported metal mold worth $11.1 million (851 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Belgium (21%), Mexico (11%), Zimbabwe (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 40%. Among the main buyer markets, South Korea grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $2.3M | 21% |
| Mexico | $1.2M | 11% |
| Zimbabwe | $918K | 8.3% |
| Portugal | $849K | 7.7% |
| United States | $611K | 5.5% |
| Russia | $483K | 4.4% |
| South Korea | $465K | 4.2% |
| Malaysia | $410K | 3.7% |
| Nigeria | $309K | 2.8% |
| Italy | $307K | 2.8% |
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 8480: Moulding boxes for metal foundry, moulding patterns, moulds for metals (excluding ingot moulds), metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of metal mold imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported metal mold worth $88.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 209 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal mold to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 39% of the value ($34.2 million), followed by Germany (13%) and Italy (9%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 60 supplier countries in total. Luxembourg grew fastest among the top ten, up 310% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal mold per kg?
The average declared import value was about $12.82 per kg in 2024, 20% below the world average of $15.98 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 imports of metal mold to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $119.6 million in 2017 to $88.0 million in 2024, a fall of 26%. The peak was 2020 at $134.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export metal mold?
Yes. South Africa exported $11.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Belgium, Mexico and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $77.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal mold?
The HS code for metal mold is heading 8480. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8480.71 (54% of the value) and 8480.79 (20%). It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8480 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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