Steel structural sections exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported steel structural sections worth $312.1 million (107.5 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged 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 | $312.1M | 107.5K t |
| 2023 | $321.4M | 131.0K t |
| 2022 | $297.1M | 115.9K t |
| 2021 | $281.7M | 117.0K t |
| 2020 | $311.2M | 310.8K t |
| 2019 | $292.7M | 125.2K t |
| 2018 | $367.2M | 147.4K t |
| 2017 | $305.3M | 420.4K t |
Where South Africa exports steel structural sections to
Most of it went to Zambia (16%), Mozambique (11%), Botswana (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 37%. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+102% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $50.6M | 16% |
| Mozambique | $33.8M | 11% |
| Botswana | $32.0M | 10% |
| Namibia | $23.2M | 7.4% |
| DR Congo | $22.3M | 7.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $21.5M | 6.9% |
| Lesotho | $12.1M | 3.9% |
| Eswatini | $10.0M | 3.2% |
| Canada | $9.8M | 3.1% |
| United States | $9.2M | 3% |
Product types under HS 7308
| 7308.90 | Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308 | 67% |
| 7308.40 | Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, props and similar equipment for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping | 21% |
| 7308.30 | Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, doors, windows and their frames and thresholds for doors | 6.2% |
| 7308.20 | Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, towers and lattice masts | 3.8% |
| 7308.10 | Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, bridges and bridge-sections | 1.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7308.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.90 per kg, close to the world average of $2.49.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Steel structural sections imports to South Africa
Imports of steel structural sections by South Africa reached $130.1 million in 2024 (55.0 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 57% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+94% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $74.2M | 57% |
| Spain | $18.5M | 14% |
| Germany | $8.7M | 6.7% |
| India | $4.7M | 3.6% |
| Turkey | $3.8M | 2.9% |
| Belgium | $2.3M | 1.7% |
| Austria | $1.6M | 1.2% |
| Mauritius | $1.4M | 1.1% |
| United Kingdom | $1.3M | 1% |
| Egypt | $1.1M | 0.8% |
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 7308: Structures of iron or steel and parts thereof; plates, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures.
Common questions
What is the value of steel structural sections exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported steel structural sections worth $312.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 107.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 206 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries buy steel structural sections from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 16% of the value ($50.6 million), followed by Mozambique (11%) and Botswana (10%). The top three together account for 37%, out of 118 buyer countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 102% on the year.
What is the average export price of steel structural sections per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.90 per kg in 2024, 16% above the world average of $2.49 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 structural sections from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $305.3 million in 2017 to $312.1 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2018 at $367.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import steel structural sections?
Yes. South Africa imported $130.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Spain and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $182.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel structural sections?
The HS code for steel structural sections is heading 7308. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7308.90 (67% of the value) and 7308.40 (21%). It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7308 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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