Steel H-sections imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $32.2 million of steel h-sections in 2024 (46.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 135% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $40.9 million.
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 | $32.2M | 46.5K t |
| 2023 | $13.7M | 19.7K t |
| 2022 | $9.9M | 9.4K t |
| 2021 | $10.7M | 16.7K t |
| 2020 | $6.9M | 12.6K t |
| 2019 | $12.5M | 19.6K t |
| 2018 | $17.4M | 27.1K t |
| 2017 | $40.9M | 80.0K t |
Where South Africa imports steel h-sections from
China alone supplied 85% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+283% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $27.4M | 85% |
| South Korea | $2.1M | 6.7% |
| Thailand | $1.8M | 5.6% |
| Japan | $417K | 1.3% |
| Netherlands | $253K | 0.8% |
| Luxembourg | $54K | 0.2% |
| Austria | $51K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $20K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $15K | 0.1% |
| Romania | $5K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.69 per kg, close to the world average of $0.77.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Steel H-sections exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported steel h-sections worth $15.0 million (14.8 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (39%), Zambia (36%), Mozambique (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+72% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $5.8M | 39% |
| Zambia | $5.5M | 36% |
| Mozambique | $981K | 6.5% |
| DR Congo | $879K | 5.9% |
| Botswana | $817K | 5.4% |
| Malawi | $364K | 2.4% |
| Namibia | $355K | 2.4% |
| Eswatini | $125K | 0.8% |
| Angola | $72K | 0.5% |
| Guinea | $54K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa steel h-sections imports (HS 7216.33): 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 7216.33: Iron or non-alloy steel: H sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Common questions
What is the value of steel h-sections imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported steel h-sections worth $32.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 46.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 194 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 135% on 2023.
Which countries supply steel h-sections to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 85% of the value ($27.4 million), followed by South Korea (7%) and Thailand (6%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 283% on the year.
What is the average import price of steel h-sections per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.69 per kg in 2024, 10% below the world average of $0.77 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of steel h-sections to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $40.9 million in 2017 to $32.2 million in 2024, a fall of 21%. The peak was 2017 at $40.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $18.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export steel h-sections?
Yes. South Africa exported $15.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel h-sections?
The HS code for steel h-sections is subheading 7216.33. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7216 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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