Steel drum exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $12.0 million of steel drum in 2024 (6.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $12.0M | 6.5K t |
| 2023 | $12.2M | 6.5K t |
| 2022 | $9.9M | 4.0K t |
| 2021 | $8.6M | 4.9K t |
| 2020 | $6.0M | 5.0K t |
| 2019 | $8.8M | 7.2K t |
| 2018 | $11.0M | 8.2K t |
| 2017 | $10.5M | 5.6K t |
Where South Africa exports steel drum to
The largest buyer markets were Namibia (24%), Angola (13%), Eswatini (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%. Among the main buyer markets, Gabon grew fastest (+462% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.9M | 24% |
| Angola | $1.5M | 13% |
| Eswatini | $1.3M | 11% |
| Botswana | $1.1M | 9.2% |
| Togo | $941K | 7.8% |
| Egypt | $810K | 6.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $643K | 5.4% |
| Gabon | $624K | 5.2% |
| Indonesia | $347K | 2.9% |
| Mozambique | $291K | 2.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.84 per kg, 48% below the world average of $3.53, 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 drum imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $2.9 million of steel drum in 2024 (701 tonnes). Most of the value came from United States (15%), Germany (13%), Turkey (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 41%. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+990% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $437K | 15% |
| Germany | $373K | 13% |
| Turkey | $363K | 13% |
| China | $302K | 11% |
| Jordan | $269K | 9.3% |
| Norway | $149K | 5.2% |
| Thailand | $118K | 4.1% |
| Netherlands | $101K | 3.5% |
| Taiwan | $92K | 3.2% |
| Argentina | $86K | 3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa steel drum exports (HS 7310.10): 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 7310.10: Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), 50l or more capacity but not exceeding 300l.
Common questions
What is the value of steel drum exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported steel drum worth $12.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 155 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy steel drum from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 24% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by Angola (13%) and Eswatini (11%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 58 buyer countries in total. Gabon grew fastest among the top ten, up 462% on the year.
What is the average export price of steel drum per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.84 per kg in 2024, 48% below the world average of $3.53 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of steel drum from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.5 million in 2017 to $12.0 million in 2024, an increase of 15%. The peak was 2023 at $12.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also import steel drum?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, Germany and Turkey. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $9.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel drum?
The HS code for steel drum is subheading 7310.10. 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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