Steel slag imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported steel slag worth $5.3 million (33.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 59% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $21.8 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 | $5.3M | 33.0K t |
| 2023 | $13.0M | 41.0K t |
| 2022 | $20.7M | 63.1K t |
| 2021 | $21.8M | 88.6K t |
| 2020 | $8.1M | 14.9K t |
| 2019 | $10.7M | 42.7K t |
| 2018 | $1.5M | 13.0K t |
| 2017 | $9.5M | 73.7K t |
Where South Africa imports steel slag from
One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 60% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3.2M | 60% |
| New Zealand | $2.0M | 39% |
| India | $91K | 1.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $0K | 0% |
| China | $0K | 0% |
| Sri Lanka | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.16 per kg, 60% above the world average of $0.10. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Steel slag exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported steel slag worth $4.3 million (33.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. One buyer market dominates: South Korea accounted for 70% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, South Korea grew fastest (+523% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $3.0M | 70% |
| United Kingdom | $903K | 21% |
| Thailand | $139K | 3.2% |
| Saudi Arabia | $101K | 2.3% |
| Pakistan | $78K | 1.8% |
| Netherlands | $35K | 0.8% |
| Spain | $27K | 0.6% |
| Mozambique | $14K | 0.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $10K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0% |
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 2619: Slag, dross; (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel.
Common questions
What is the value of steel slag imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported steel slag worth $5.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 33.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 109 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 59% on 2023.
Which countries supply steel slag to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 60% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by New Zealand (39%) and India (2%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 6 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 361% on the year.
What is the average import price of steel slag per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.16 per kg in 2024, 60% above the world average of $0.10 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 steel slag to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.5 million in 2017 to $5.3 million in 2024, a fall of 44%. The peak was 2021 at $21.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export steel slag?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to South Korea, the United Kingdom and Thailand. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $950 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for steel slag?
The HS code for steel slag is heading 2619. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2619.00. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2619 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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