Steel U-sections exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of steel u-sections by South Africa reached $15.4 million in 2024 (18.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 33% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $23.0 million.
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 | $15.4M | 18.7K t |
| 2023 | $23.0M | 23.1K t |
| 2022 | $22.4M | 19.3K t |
| 2021 | $20.4M | 20.6K t |
| 2020 | $17.4M | 24.5K t |
| 2019 | $19.4M | 29.6K t |
| 2018 | $22.5M | 30.1K t |
| 2017 | $14.1M | 19.9K t |
Where South Africa exports steel u-sections to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (46%), Zambia (19%), Botswana (14%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $7.1M | 46% |
| Zambia | $3.0M | 19% |
| Botswana | $2.2M | 14% |
| Namibia | $918K | 6% |
| Mozambique | $692K | 4.5% |
| Malawi | $570K | 3.7% |
| DR Congo | $438K | 2.8% |
| Eswatini | $87K | 0.6% |
| Angola | $77K | 0.5% |
| Kenya | $74K | 0.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.83 per kg, close to the world average of $0.78.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Steel U-sections imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $600 thousand of steel u-sections in 2024 (820 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 92% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+476% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $553K | 92% |
| Italy | $17K | 2.8% |
| Zambia | $10K | 1.6% |
| Turkey | $10K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $4K | 0.7% |
| India | $2K | 0.4% |
| Belgium | $2K | 0.4% |
| Namibia | $2K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa steel u-sections exports (HS 7216.31): 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 7216.31: Iron or non-alloy steel: U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Common questions
What is the value of steel u-sections exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported steel u-sections worth $15.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 18.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 106 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 33% on 2023.
Which countries buy steel u-sections from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 46% of the value ($7.1 million), followed by Zambia (19%) and Botswana (14%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 20 buyer countries in total. Kenya grew fastest among the top ten, up 69% on the year.
What is the average export price of steel u-sections per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.83 per kg in 2024, 6% above the world average of $0.78 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of steel u-sections from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $14.1 million in 2017 to $15.4 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. The peak was 2023 at $23.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $19.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import steel u-sections?
Yes. South Africa imported $600 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Italy and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $14.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel u-sections?
The HS code for steel u-sections is subheading 7216.31. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7216 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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