Unrefined copper exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of unrefined copper by South Africa reached $397.8 million in 2024 (53.8 thousand tonnes). It ranks 8th of 104 countries for exports of this product. That is 3% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 16% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $1.61 billion.
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 | $397.8M | 53.8K t |
| 2023 | $385.5M | 61.7K t |
| 2022 | $1.56B | 139.8K t |
| 2021 | $1.61B | 152.9K t |
| 2020 | $623.5M | 103.2K t |
| 2019 | $363.9M | 126.2K t |
| 2018 | $312.2M | 58.1K t |
| 2017 | $142.0M | 22.9K t |
Where South Africa exports unrefined copper to
One buyer market dominates: China accounted for 99% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $395.5M | 99% |
| Thailand | $1.8M | 0.5% |
| Belgium | $348K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $62K | 0% |
| Ghana | $50K | 0% |
| Botswana | $11K | 0% |
| Mozambique | $6K | 0% |
| Spain | $6K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $5K | 0% |
| DR Congo | $4K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.40 per kg, 21% below the world average of $9.36, 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 7402: Copper; unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining.
Common questions
What is the value of unrefined copper exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported unrefined copper worth $397.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 53.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 104 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries buy unrefined copper from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 99% of the value ($395.5 million), followed by Thailand (0%) and Belgium (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 20 buyer countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 215% on the year.
What is the average export price of unrefined copper per kg?
The average declared export value was about $7.40 per kg in 2024, 21% below the world average of $9.36 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of unrefined copper from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $142.0 million in 2017 to $397.8 million in 2024, an increase of 180%. The peak was 2021 at $1.61 billion. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for unrefined copper?
The HS code for unrefined copper is heading 7402. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7402.00. It sits in HS chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7402 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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