Nickel rods imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported nickel rods worth $3.8 million (82 tonnes). That is 42% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average.
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 | $3.8M | 82 t |
| 2023 | $2.7M | 78 t |
| 2022 | $3.1M | 83 t |
| 2021 | $2.6M | 159 t |
| 2020 | $1.4M | 65 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 79 t |
| 2018 | $2.0M | 82 t |
| 2017 | $1.7M | 78 t |
Where South Africa imports nickel rods from
Most of the value came from Germany (35%), Denmark (17%), India (12%). Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.4M | 35% |
| Denmark | $645K | 17% |
| India | $478K | 12% |
| China | $377K | 9.8% |
| Canada | $190K | 4.9% |
| Switzerland | $154K | 4% |
| United States | $146K | 3.8% |
| Sweden | $118K | 3.1% |
| Netherlands | $88K | 2.3% |
| France | $60K | 1.6% |
Product types under HS 7505
| 7505.12 | Nickel: bars, rods and profiles, of nickel alloys | 63% |
| 7505.22 | Nickel: wire, of nickel alloys | 27% |
| 7505.11 | Nickel: bars, rods and profiles, not alloyed | 8.3% |
| 7505.21 | Nickel: wire, not alloyed | 1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7505.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $46.95 per kg, 34% above the world average of $34.96. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Nickel rods exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported nickel rods worth $225 thousand (37 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (47%), Singapore (11%), Switzerland (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+488% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $106K | 47% |
| Singapore | $26K | 12% |
| Switzerland | $25K | 11% |
| India | $13K | 5.8% |
| Madagascar | $9K | 3.9% |
| DR Congo | $7K | 3.1% |
| Eswatini | $7K | 3% |
| Angola | $7K | 3% |
| Namibia | $6K | 2.7% |
| Australia | $6K | 2.7% |
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 7505: Nickel; bars, rods, profiles and wire.
Common questions
What is the value of nickel rods imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported nickel rods worth $3.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 82 tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 159 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 42% on 2023.
Which countries supply nickel rods to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by Denmark (17%) and India (12%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 991% on the year.
What is the average import price of nickel rods per kg?
The average declared import value was about $46.95 per kg in 2024, 34% above the world average of $34.96 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 nickel rods to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.7 million in 2017 to $3.8 million in 2024, an increase of 126%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export nickel rods?
Yes. South Africa exported $225 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Singapore and Switzerland. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for nickel rods?
The HS code for nickel rods is heading 7505. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7505.12 (63% of the value) and 7505.22 (27%). It sits in HS chapter 75 (nickel and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7505 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.
Same product, other countries
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