Stainless steel bars and shapes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported stainless steel bars and shapes worth $29.0 million (10.2 thousand tonnes). That is 10% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $29.0M | 10.2K t |
| 2023 | $26.4M | 8.1K t |
| 2022 | $34.3M | 7.9K t |
| 2021 | $33.3M | 9.6K t |
| 2020 | $16.0M | 6.3K t |
| 2019 | $24.9M | 8.3K t |
| 2018 | $27.1M | 8.6K t |
| 2017 | $24.0M | 9.6K t |
Where South Africa imports stainless steel bars and shapes from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 55% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+35% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $15.8M | 55% |
| China | $7.5M | 26% |
| Italy | $2.6M | 8.8% |
| Taiwan | $990K | 3.4% |
| Germany | $714K | 2.5% |
| France | $319K | 1.1% |
| Sweden | $198K | 0.7% |
| Switzerland | $185K | 0.6% |
| Czech Republic | $146K | 0.5% |
| Slovenia | $114K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 7222
| 7222.20 | Steel, stainless: bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished | 55% |
| 7222.30 | Steel, stainless: bars and rods, n.e.c. in heading no. 7222 | 25% |
| 7222.40 | Steel, stainless: angles, shapes and sections | 12% |
| 7222.11 | Steel, stainless: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of circular cross-section | 6.3% |
| 7222.19 | Steel, stainless: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, other than of circular cross-section | 2.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7222.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.85 per kg, 38% below the world average of $4.63, 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.
Stainless steel bars and shapes exports from South Africa
Exports of stainless steel bars and shapes by South Africa reached $7.4 million in 2024 (4.6 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (26%), Botswana (23%), Mozambique (20%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.9M | 26% |
| Botswana | $1.7M | 23% |
| Mozambique | $1.5M | 20% |
| Eswatini | $692K | 9.4% |
| DR Congo | $543K | 7.4% |
| Zambia | $215K | 2.9% |
| Lesotho | $162K | 2.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $127K | 1.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $123K | 1.7% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $112K | 1.5% |
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
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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 7222: Stainless steel bars and rods, angles, shapes and sections.
Common questions
What is the value of stainless steel bars and shapes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported stainless steel bars and shapes worth $29.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply stainless steel bars and shapes to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 55% of the value ($15.8 million), followed by China (26%) and Italy (9%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 44 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 62% on the year.
What is the average import price of stainless steel bars and shapes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.85 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $4.63 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 stainless steel bars and shapes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $24.0 million in 2017 to $29.0 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. The peak was 2022 at $34.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export stainless steel bars and shapes?
Yes. South Africa exported $7.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $21.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for stainless steel bars and shapes?
The HS code for stainless steel bars and shapes is heading 7222. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7222.20 (55% of the value) and 7222.30 (24%). It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7222 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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