Steel storage tanks exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported steel storage tanks worth $26.8 million (8.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 16% from 2023. 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 | $26.8M | 8.1K t |
| 2023 | $31.8M | 8.9K t |
| 2022 | $27.5M | 8.2K t |
| 2021 | $26.7M | 11.8K t |
| 2020 | $22.6M | 8.3K t |
| 2019 | $26.1M | 9.3K t |
| 2018 | $24.3M | 7.1K t |
| 2017 | $18.8M | 5.4K t |
Where South Africa exports steel storage tanks to
The largest buyer markets were Zambia (15%), Zimbabwe (11%), Namibia (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 36%. Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest (+456% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $4.1M | 15% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.1M | 12% |
| Namibia | $2.4M | 8.9% |
| Botswana | $2.2M | 8.3% |
| Malawi | $1.9M | 6.9% |
| Mozambique | $1.8M | 6.8% |
| Lesotho | $1.4M | 5.3% |
| Eswatini | $1.1M | 4.3% |
| Kazakhstan | $1.1M | 3.9% |
| Uganda | $862K | 3.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.30 per kg, 32% below the world average of $4.83, 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 storage tanks imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $13.7 million of steel storage tanks in 2024 (3.9 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Spain (19%), Malaysia (16%), Italy (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 50%. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+268% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $2.6M | 19% |
| Malaysia | $2.2M | 16% |
| Italy | $1.9M | 14% |
| China | $1.6M | 12% |
| Turkey | $1.4M | 10% |
| France | $1.2M | 8.4% |
| United States | $653K | 4.8% |
| Brazil | $447K | 3.3% |
| Austria | $414K | 3% |
| United Kingdom | $404K | 3% |
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 7309: Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers; for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated.
Common questions
What is the value of steel storage tanks exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported steel storage tanks worth $26.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 164 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy steel storage tanks from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 15% of the value ($4.1 million), followed by Zimbabwe (11%) and Namibia (9%). The top three together account for 36%, out of 59 buyer countries in total. Uganda grew fastest among the top ten, up 456% on the year.
What is the average export price of steel storage tanks per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.30 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $4.83 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 storage tanks from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $18.8 million in 2017 to $26.8 million in 2024, an increase of 43%. The peak was 2023 at $31.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import steel storage tanks?
Yes. South Africa imported $13.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Spain, Malaysia and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $13.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel storage tanks?
The HS code for steel storage tanks is heading 7309. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7309.00. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7309 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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