Stainless steel strips imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported stainless steel strips worth $20.3 million (5.8 thousand tonnes). That is 22% 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 | $20.3M | 5.8K t |
| 2023 | $16.6M | 3.7K t |
| 2022 | $15.2M | 3.0K t |
| 2021 | $14.5M | 3.3K t |
| 2020 | $9.4M | 2.5K t |
| 2019 | $15.2M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $17.7M | 3.6K t |
| 2017 | $14.7M | 3.2K t |
Where South Africa imports stainless steel strips from
Most of the value came from China (38%), Italy (19%), Japan (15%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+292% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.8M | 38% |
| Italy | $3.9M | 19% |
| Japan | $3.1M | 16% |
| Germany | $1.5M | 7.2% |
| India | $760K | 3.8% |
| Taiwan | $759K | 3.8% |
| Thailand | $690K | 3.4% |
| Netherlands | $441K | 2.2% |
| Turkey | $338K | 1.7% |
| United States | $248K | 1.2% |
Product types under HS 7220
| 7220.20 | Steel, stainless: flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, cold-rolled | 70% |
| 7220.90 | Steel, stainless: flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, n.e.c. in heading no 7220 | 11% |
| 7220.12 | Steel, stainless: flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 4.75mm | 9.4% |
| 7220.11 | Steel, stainless: flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, hot-rolled, of a thickness of 4.75mm or more | 9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7220.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.49 per kg, close to the world average of $3.81.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Stainless steel strips exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported stainless steel strips worth $8.0 million (5.3 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Brazil (24%), Spain (9%), Greece (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 40%. Among the main buyer markets, Greece grew fastest (+96% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $1.9M | 24% |
| Spain | $694K | 8.7% |
| Greece | $558K | 7% |
| India | $538K | 6.7% |
| Mexico | $507K | 6.3% |
| Germany | $469K | 5.9% |
| Poland | $453K | 5.7% |
| Netherlands | $392K | 4.9% |
| United Kingdom | $360K | 4.5% |
| Sweden | $286K | 3.6% |
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 7220: Stainless steel; flat-rolled products of width less than 600mm.
Common questions
What is the value of stainless steel strips imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported stainless steel strips worth $20.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 201 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply stainless steel strips to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($7.8 million), followed by Italy (19%) and Japan (15%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 292% on the year.
What is the average import price of stainless steel strips per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.49 per kg in 2024, 8% below the world average of $3.81 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 strips to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $14.7 million in 2017 to $20.3 million in 2024, an increase of 38%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export stainless steel strips?
Yes. South Africa exported $8.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Brazil, Spain and Greece. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $12.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for stainless steel strips?
The HS code for stainless steel strips is heading 7220. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7220.20 (70% of the value) and 7220.90 (11%). It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7220 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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