Steel wool and scourers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $4.7 million of steel wool and scourers in 2024 (1.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value rose 40% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.7M | 1.0K t |
| 2023 | $3.4M | 798 t |
| 2022 | $5.1M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $4.8M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $1.7M | 2.4K t |
| 2019 | $1.6M | 1.5K t |
| 2018 | $1.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $1.4M | 930 t |
Where South Africa imports steel wool and scourers from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 95% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+40% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.5M | 95% |
| Egypt | $153K | 3.2% |
| Turkey | $26K | 0.6% |
| South Korea | $14K | 0.3% |
| India | $13K | 0.3% |
| Germany | $9K | 0.2% |
| Israel | $7K | 0.2% |
| United States | $4K | 0.1% |
| Lesotho | $4K | 0.1% |
| Bulgaria | $3K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.64 per kg, close to the world average of $3.99.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Steel wool and scourers exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.8 million of steel wool and scourers in 2024 (884 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Botswana (30%), Zimbabwe (19%), Eswatini (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+82% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $534K | 30% |
| Zimbabwe | $345K | 19% |
| Eswatini | $298K | 17% |
| Zambia | $166K | 9.3% |
| Namibia | $130K | 7.3% |
| Lesotho | $121K | 6.8% |
| Mozambique | $82K | 4.6% |
| Mauritania | $33K | 1.8% |
| Malawi | $19K | 1.1% |
| Angola | $17K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa steel wool and scourers imports (HS 7323.10): 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 7323.10: Iron or steel: wool, pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like.
Common questions
What is the value of steel wool and scourers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported steel wool and scourers worth $4.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 14th of 213 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 40% on 2023.
Which countries supply steel wool and scourers to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 95% of the value ($4.5 million), followed by Egypt (3%) and Turkey (1%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. Egypt grew fastest among the top ten, up 103% on the year.
What is the average import price of steel wool and scourers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.64 per kg in 2024, 16% above the world average of $3.99 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of steel wool and scourers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.4 million in 2017 to $4.7 million in 2024, an increase of 231%. The peak was 2022 at $5.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export steel wool and scourers?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel wool and scourers?
The HS code for steel wool and scourers is subheading 7323.10. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7323 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.
Same product, other countries
World steel wool and scourers trade: top importers and exporters
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