Steel turnings and chips exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of steel turnings and chips by South Africa reached $24.8 million in 2024 (64.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 508% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 13% a year on average.
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 | $24.8M | 64.1K t |
| 2023 | $4.1M | 12.2K t |
| 2022 | $17.0M | 35.7K t |
| 2021 | $3.4M | 7.5K t |
| 2020 | $4.4M | 16.6K t |
| 2019 | $5.7M | 20.7K t |
| 2018 | $10.3M | 33.4K t |
| 2017 | $10.5M | 43.9K t |
Where South Africa exports steel turnings and chips to
One buyer market dominates: Pakistan accounted for 83% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Pakistan grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | $20.6M | 83% |
| India | $4.2M | 17% |
| Germany | $28K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.39 per kg, close to the world average of $0.37.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Steel turnings and chips imports to South Africa
Imports of steel turnings and chips by South Africa reached $314 thousand in 2024 (252 tonnes). China alone supplied 76% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $238K | 76% |
| Zimbabwe | $76K | 24% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa steel turnings and chips exports (HS 7204.41): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 7204.41: Ferrous waste and scrap: turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, fillings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in bundles.
Common questions
What is the value of steel turnings and chips exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported steel turnings and chips worth $24.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 64.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 102 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 508% on 2023.
Which countries buy steel turnings and chips from South Africa?
Pakistan was the largest buyer with 83% of the value ($20.6 million), followed by India (17%) and Germany (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 5 buyer countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 301% on the year.
What is the average export price of steel turnings and chips per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.39 per kg in 2024, 5% above the world average of $0.37 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of steel turnings and chips from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.5 million in 2017 to $24.8 million in 2024, an increase of 136%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $10.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import steel turnings and chips?
Yes. South Africa imported $314 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Zimbabwe and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $24.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel turnings and chips?
The HS code for steel turnings and chips is subheading 7204.41. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7204 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 turnings and chips trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.