Stainless steel scrap exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported stainless steel scrap worth $29.1 million (20.6 thousand tonnes). That is 42% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $50.3 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 | $29.1M | 20.6K t |
| 2023 | $50.3M | 33.1K t |
| 2022 | $19.8M | 12.9K t |
| 2021 | $4.1M | 2.8K t |
| 2020 | $2.1M | 2.5K t |
| 2019 | $2.3M | 2.6K t |
| 2018 | $3.9M | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $8.5M | 4.9K t |
Where South Africa exports stainless steel scrap to
Most of it went to India (44%), Netherlands (29%), United Kingdom (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+93% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $12.9M | 44% |
| Netherlands | $8.6M | 30% |
| United Kingdom | $2.8M | 9.5% |
| Italy | $1.4M | 4.8% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 4.2% |
| Spain | $1.0M | 3.5% |
| Thailand | $729K | 2.5% |
| China | $213K | 0.7% |
| Hong Kong | $148K | 0.5% |
| Poland | $121K | 0.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.41 per kg, close to the world average of $1.41.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Stainless steel scrap imports to South Africa
Imports of stainless steel scrap by South Africa reached $628 thousand in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Zambia (45%), Namibia (17%), Botswana (11%). Among the main suppliers, Malawi grew fastest (+60% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $280K | 45% |
| Namibia | $106K | 17% |
| Botswana | $71K | 11% |
| DR Congo | $57K | 9% |
| Zimbabwe | $46K | 7.3% |
| Eswatini | $28K | 4.5% |
| Mozambique | $19K | 3% |
| Malawi | $19K | 3% |
| United Kingdom | $2K | 0.4% |
| Turkey | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa stainless steel scrap exports (HS 7204.21): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 7204.21: Ferrous waste and scrap: of stainless steel.
Common questions
What is the value of stainless steel scrap exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported stainless steel scrap worth $29.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 20.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 41st of 177 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 42% on 2023.
Which countries buy stainless steel scrap from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 44% of the value ($12.9 million), followed by the Netherlands (29%) and the United Kingdom (10%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 15 buyer countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 93% on the year.
What is the average export price of stainless steel scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.41 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.41 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of stainless steel scrap from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $8.5 million in 2017 to $29.1 million in 2024, an increase of 243%. The peak was 2023 at $50.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import stainless steel scrap?
Yes. South Africa imported $628 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zambia, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $28.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for stainless steel scrap?
The HS code for stainless steel scrap is subheading 7204.21. 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?
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 stainless steel scrap trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.