Other ferrous scrap exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $62.0 million of other ferrous scrap in 2024 (191.4 thousand tonnes). Value rose 41% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $122.8 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 | $62.0M | 191.4K t |
| 2023 | $44.0M | 126.6K t |
| 2022 | $117.0M | 296.8K t |
| 2021 | $60.8M | 130.6K t |
| 2020 | $44.6M | 188.2K t |
| 2019 | $83.3M | 305.3K t |
| 2018 | $122.8M | 410.5K t |
| 2017 | $92.8M | 356.5K t |
Where South Africa exports other ferrous scrap to
India alone took 70% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Pakistan grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $43.2M | 70% |
| Pakistan | $14.5M | 23% |
| Kenya | $3.7M | 6.1% |
| Oman | $248K | 0.4% |
| Thailand | $149K | 0.2% |
| Malaysia | $75K | 0.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $58K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $2K | 0% |
| Zambia | $2K | 0% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.32 per kg, close to the world average of $0.38.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Other ferrous scrap imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported other ferrous scrap worth $697 thousand (5.8 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Botswana (37%), Zimbabwe (19%), Eswatini (14%). Among the main suppliers, Russia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $261K | 38% |
| Zimbabwe | $136K | 19% |
| Eswatini | $101K | 15% |
| Namibia | $48K | 6.9% |
| Netherlands | $37K | 5.3% |
| Zambia | $27K | 3.8% |
| Australia | $20K | 2.9% |
| Thailand | $17K | 2.4% |
| Russia | $14K | 2% |
| Mozambique | $10K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa other ferrous scrap exports (HS 7204.49): 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 7204.49: Ferrous waste and scrap: n.e.c. in heading no. 7204.
Common questions
What is the value of other ferrous scrap exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported other ferrous scrap worth $62.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 191.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 50th of 197 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 41% on 2023.
Which countries buy other ferrous scrap from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 70% of the value ($43.2 million), followed by Pakistan (23%) and Kenya (6%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 12 buyer countries in total.
What is the average export price of other ferrous scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.32 per kg in 2024, 16% below the world average of $0.38 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of other ferrous scrap from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $92.8 million in 2017 to $62.0 million in 2024, a fall of 33%. The peak was 2018 at $122.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $78.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import other ferrous scrap?
Yes. South Africa imported $697 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Botswana, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $61.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for other ferrous scrap?
The HS code for other ferrous scrap is subheading 7204.49. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7204 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 other ferrous scrap trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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