Tinplate can exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported tinplate can worth $3.8 million (2.6 thousand tonnes). That is 15% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 18% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $16.1 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 | $3.8M | 2.6K t |
| 2023 | $4.5M | 3.2K t |
| 2022 | $5.4M | 3.8K t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 2.3K t |
| 2020 | $2.7M | 2.0K t |
| 2019 | $4.8M | 5.1K t |
| 2018 | $16.1M | 5.1K t |
| 2017 | $15.4M | 11.1K t |
Where South Africa exports tinplate can to
Zimbabwe alone took 61% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.3M | 61% |
| Eswatini | $926K | 24% |
| Belgium | $161K | 4.2% |
| Mozambique | $104K | 2.7% |
| Zambia | $103K | 2.7% |
| Germany | $70K | 1.8% |
| Australia | $31K | 0.8% |
| Namibia | $29K | 0.8% |
| Botswana | $23K | 0.6% |
| Malawi | $21K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.44 per kg, 58% below the world average of $3.45, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Tinplate can imports to South Africa
Imports of tinplate can by South Africa reached $3.2 million in 2024 (972 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 53% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+154% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.7M | 53% |
| Turkey | $656K | 21% |
| Australia | $333K | 11% |
| Italy | $178K | 5.6% |
| United Kingdom | $109K | 3.5% |
| Spain | $77K | 2.4% |
| Germany | $58K | 1.8% |
| India | $54K | 1.7% |
| United States | $16K | 0.5% |
| Mozambique | $3K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa tinplate can exports (HS 7310.21): 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 7310.21: Cans: which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), less than 50l capacity, of iron or steel.
Common questions
What is the value of tinplate can exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported tinplate can worth $3.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 139 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 15% on 2023.
Which countries buy tinplate can from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 61% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Eswatini (24%) and Belgium (4%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 35 buyer countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 568% on the year.
What is the average export price of tinplate can per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.44 per kg in 2024, 58% below the world average of $3.45 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of tinplate can from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $15.4 million in 2017 to $3.8 million in 2024, a fall of 75%. The peak was 2018 at $16.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import tinplate can?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Turkey and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $653 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for tinplate can?
The HS code for tinplate can is subheading 7310.21. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7310 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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