Steel structure (other) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of steel structure (other) by South Africa reached $208.3 million in 2024 (67.1 thousand tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $208.3M | 67.1K t |
| 2023 | $212.5M | 77.5K t |
| 2022 | $191.7M | 66.3K t |
| 2021 | $176.2M | 66.3K t |
| 2020 | $231.0M | 265.5K t |
| 2019 | $187.5M | 71.7K t |
| 2018 | $249.2M | 89.4K t |
| 2017 | $192.4M | 361.4K t |
Where South Africa exports steel structure (other) to
Most of it went to Zambia (19%), Mozambique (15%), Botswana (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 46%. Among the main buyer markets, Chile grew fastest (+897% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $40.1M | 19% |
| Mozambique | $30.9M | 15% |
| Botswana | $24.0M | 12% |
| DR Congo | $19.6M | 9.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $17.2M | 8.2% |
| Namibia | $13.3M | 6.4% |
| Angola | $6.7M | 3.2% |
| Eswatini | $4.5M | 2.2% |
| Chile | $4.1M | 2% |
| United States | $4.1M | 2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.10 per kg, 25% above the world average of $2.48. 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 structure (other) imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported steel structure (other) worth $105.7 million (43.2 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 62% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+105% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $65.5M | 62% |
| Spain | $18.0M | 17% |
| Germany | $5.1M | 4.8% |
| India | $2.5M | 2.4% |
| Belgium | $2.2M | 2.1% |
| Mauritius | $1.4M | 1.3% |
| Turkey | $1.3M | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $1.1M | 1% |
| Egypt | $1.1M | 1% |
| Malaysia | $1.0M | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa steel structure (other) exports (HS 7308.90): 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 7308.90: Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308.
Common questions
What is the value of steel structure (other) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported steel structure (other) worth $208.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 67.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 195 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy steel structure (other) from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 19% of the value ($40.1 million), followed by Mozambique (15%) and Botswana (12%). The top three together account for 46%, out of 99 buyer countries in total. Chile grew fastest among the top ten, up 897% on the year.
What is the average export price of steel structure (other) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.10 per kg in 2024, 25% above the world average of $2.48 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of steel structure (other) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $192.4 million in 2017 to $208.3 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2018 at $249.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $206.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import steel structure (other)?
Yes. South Africa imported $105.7 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 $102.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel structure (other)?
The HS code for steel structure (other) is subheading 7308.90. 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?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World steel structure (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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