Steel can (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported steel can (other) worth $14.7 million (4.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 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 | $14.7M | 4.6K t |
| 2023 | $14.5M | 4.4K t |
| 2022 | $15.2M | 4.9K t |
| 2021 | $10.2M | 3.1K t |
| 2020 | $9.2M | 2.9K t |
| 2019 | $11.6M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $13.1M | 3.5K t |
| 2017 | $13.7M | 4.3K t |
Where South Africa imports steel can (other) from
China alone supplied 78% of it. Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $11.5M | 78% |
| India | $721K | 4.9% |
| France | $707K | 4.8% |
| Italy | $572K | 3.9% |
| Turkey | $235K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $137K | 0.9% |
| Sweden | $131K | 0.9% |
| United States | $107K | 0.7% |
| Latvia | $104K | 0.7% |
| United Kingdom | $79K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.19 per kg, 28% below the world average of $4.40, 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.
Steel can (other) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $6.9 million of steel can (other) in 2024 (2.7 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Eswatini (27%), Namibia (17%), Botswana (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Russia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $1.8M | 27% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 17% |
| Botswana | $1.1M | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $988K | 14% |
| Mozambique | $849K | 12% |
| Russia | $131K | 1.9% |
| Uganda | $122K | 1.8% |
| Zambia | $87K | 1.3% |
| Belgium | $61K | 0.9% |
| Egypt | $57K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa steel can (other) imports (HS 7310.29): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 7310.29: Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or steel.
Common questions
What is the value of steel can (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported steel can (other) worth $14.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 217 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply steel can (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 78% of the value ($11.5 million), followed by India (5%) and France (5%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 62 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 84% on the year.
What is the average import price of steel can (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.19 per kg in 2024, 28% below the world average of $4.40 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of steel can (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.7 million in 2017 to $14.7 million in 2024, an increase of 7%. The peak was 2022 at $15.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export steel can (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel can (other)?
The HS code for steel can (other) is subheading 7310.29. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7310 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.
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