Steel drums exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported steel drums worth $22.7 million (11.9 thousand tonnes). That is 11% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $40.4 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 | $22.7M | 11.9K t |
| 2023 | $25.5M | 12.9K t |
| 2022 | $25.9M | 11.9K t |
| 2021 | $21.2M | 10.8K t |
| 2020 | $16.7M | 11.0K t |
| 2019 | $26.0M | 20.8K t |
| 2018 | $40.4M | 18.4K t |
| 2017 | $37.0M | 23.7K t |
Where South Africa exports steel drums to
Most of it went to Namibia (18%), Eswatini (18%), Zimbabwe (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Gabon grew fastest (+462% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $4.1M | 18% |
| Eswatini | $4.1M | 18% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.9M | 17% |
| Botswana | $2.2M | 9.9% |
| Angola | $1.6M | 6.9% |
| Mozambique | $1.2M | 5.5% |
| Togo | $941K | 4.1% |
| Egypt | $867K | 3.8% |
| Gabon | $624K | 2.8% |
| Zambia | $467K | 2.1% |
Product types under HS 7310
| 7310.10 | Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), 50l or more capacity but not… | 53% |
| 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.… | 30% |
| 7310.21 | Cans: which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or… | 17% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7310.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.91 per kg, 49% below the world average of $3.78, 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 drums imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $20.7 million of steel drums in 2024 (6.3 thousand tonnes). China alone supplied 65% of it. Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+680% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $13.4M | 65% |
| Turkey | $1.3M | 6.1% |
| Italy | $825K | 4% |
| France | $783K | 3.8% |
| India | $778K | 3.8% |
| Germany | $568K | 2.7% |
| United States | $561K | 2.7% |
| Australia | $406K | 2% |
| Jordan | $269K | 1.3% |
| United Kingdom | $232K | 1.1% |
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 7310: Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated.
Common questions
What is the value of steel drums exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported steel drums worth $22.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 11.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 189 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries buy steel drums from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 18% of the value ($4.1 million), followed by Eswatini (18%) and Zimbabwe (17%). The top three together account for 53%, out of 80 buyer countries in total. Gabon grew fastest among the top ten, up 462% on the year.
What is the average export price of steel drums per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.91 per kg in 2024, 49% below the world average of $3.78 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 exports of steel drums from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $37.0 million in 2017 to $22.7 million in 2024, a fall of 39%. The peak was 2018 at $40.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import steel drums?
Yes. South Africa imported $20.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Turkey and Italy. That compares with exports of $22.7 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for steel drums?
The HS code for steel drums is heading 7310. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7310.10 (53% of the value) and 7310.29 (30%). 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?
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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