Precious metal scrap exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of precious metal scrap by South Africa reached $366.9 million in 2024 (2.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $1.23 billion.
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 | $366.9M | 2.8K t |
| 2023 | $363.4M | 3.8K t |
| 2022 | $516.6M | 2.5K t |
| 2021 | $1.18B | 13.8K t |
| 2020 | $1.23B | 19.0K t |
| 2019 | $863.9M | 3.4K t |
| 2018 | $1.20B | 21.1K t |
| 2017 | $478.1M | 3.6K t |
Where South Africa exports precious metal scrap to
Belgium alone took 64% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+65% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $234.6M | 64% |
| United Kingdom | $37.3M | 10% |
| Germany | $35.1M | 9.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $21.9M | 6% |
| Australia | $11.1M | 3% |
| United States | $8.8M | 2.4% |
| Italy | $4.6M | 1.3% |
| Japan | $3.6M | 1% |
| Poland | $2.9M | 0.8% |
| Norway | $2.3M | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 7112
| 7112.99 | Waste and scrap of precious metals: waste and scrap of precious metals including metal clad with precious metals, other than that of gold and… | 61% |
| 7112.92 | Waste and scrap of precious metals: of platinum, including metal clad with platinum but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals | 24% |
| 7112.91 | Waste and scrap of precious metals: of gold, including metal clad with gold but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals | 15% |
| 7112.30 | Waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal: ash containing precious metal or precious metal compounds | 0.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7112.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $128.79 per kg, close to the world average of $113.77.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Precious metal scrap imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported precious metal scrap worth $19.1 million (343 tonnes). One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 61% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Australia grew fastest (+304% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $11.6M | 61% |
| Australia | $7.5M | 39% |
| Norway | $23K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $3K | 0% |
| Belgium | $2K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| Thailand | $0K | 0% |
| Burkina Faso | $0K | 0% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
| Brazil | $0K | 0% |
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 7112: Waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; other waste and scrap containing precious metal compounds, of a kind uses principally for the recovery of precious metal other than goods of heading 85.49.
Common questions
What is the value of precious metal scrap exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported precious metal scrap worth $366.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 170 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries buy precious metal scrap from South Africa?
Belgium was the largest buyer with 64% of the value ($234.6 million), followed by the United Kingdom (10%) and Germany (10%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 21 buyer countries in total. Norway grew fastest among the top ten, up 376% on the year.
What is the average export price of precious metal scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $128.79 per kg in 2024, 13% above the world average of $113.77 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 exports of precious metal scrap from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $478.1 million in 2017 to $366.9 million in 2024, a fall of 23%. The peak was 2020 at $1.23 billion. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import precious metal scrap?
Yes. South Africa imported $19.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, Australia and Norway. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $347.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for precious metal scrap?
The HS code for precious metal scrap is heading 7112. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7112.99 (61% of the value) and 7112.92 (24%). It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7112 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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