Plastic-coated steel strip imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $4.4 million of plastic-coated steel strip in 2024 (4.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 0%. That is 28% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $6.5 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 | $4.4M | 4.1K t |
| 2023 | $3.4M | 3.1K t |
| 2022 | $6.5M | 4.6K t |
| 2021 | $6.3M | 5.3K t |
| 2020 | $3.8M | 4.2K t |
| 2019 | $4.2M | 4.3K t |
| 2018 | $6.2M | 5.2K t |
| 2017 | $5.1M | 5.2K t |
Where South Africa imports plastic-coated steel strip from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+323% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.3M | 52% |
| South Korea | $1.1M | 24% |
| Germany | $704K | 16% |
| India | $159K | 3.6% |
| Netherlands | $47K | 1.1% |
| Sweden | $28K | 0.6% |
| Belgium | $22K | 0.5% |
| Turkey | $21K | 0.5% |
| Hungary | $18K | 0.4% |
| Finland | $5K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.06 per kg, 36% below the world average of $1.65, 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.
Plastic-coated steel strip exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $324 thousand of plastic-coated steel strip in 2024 (232 tonnes). Most of it went to DR Congo (39%), Zambia (29%), Mozambique (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+136% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $126K | 39% |
| Zambia | $93K | 29% |
| Mozambique | $39K | 12% |
| Namibia | $25K | 7.6% |
| Botswana | $15K | 4.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $11K | 3.4% |
| Madagascar | $5K | 1.4% |
| Eswatini | $4K | 1.3% |
| Ghana | $3K | 0.9% |
| Malawi | $1K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic-coated steel strip imports (HS 7212.40): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 7212.40: Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, painted, varnished or coated with plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic-coated steel strip imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plastic-coated steel strip worth $4.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 183 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 28% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic-coated steel strip to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 52% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by South Korea (24%) and Germany (16%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 323% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic-coated steel strip per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.06 per kg in 2024, 36% below the world average of $1.65 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of plastic-coated steel strip to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.1 million in 2017 to $4.4 million in 2024, a fall of 14%. The peak was 2022 at $6.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plastic-coated steel strip?
Yes. South Africa exported $324 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zambia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic-coated steel strip?
The HS code for plastic-coated steel strip is subheading 7212.40. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7212 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.
Same product, other countries
World plastic-coated steel strip trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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