Welded steel shapes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported welded steel shapes worth $2.0 million (834 tonnes). Value fell 10% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $3.9 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 | $2.0M | 834 t |
| 2023 | $2.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $2.9M | 885 t |
| 2021 | $3.9M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $2.8M | 2.2K t |
| 2019 | $2.8M | 2.3K t |
| 2018 | $2.9M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $3.2M | 4.0K t |
Where South Africa exports welded steel shapes to
Most of it went to Botswana (35%), Namibia (13%), Lesotho (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+524% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $700K | 35% |
| Namibia | $264K | 13% |
| Lesotho | $168K | 8.3% |
| Zambia | $156K | 7.7% |
| Eswatini | $126K | 6.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $111K | 5.5% |
| South Korea | $101K | 5% |
| Malawi | $99K | 4.9% |
| DR Congo | $59K | 2.9% |
| Mozambique | $45K | 2.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.43 per kg, 29% above the world average of $1.88. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Welded steel shapes imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $478 thousand of welded steel shapes in 2024 (135 tonnes). Most of the value came from Spain (23%), India (22%), United States (18%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $109K | 23% |
| India | $103K | 22% |
| United States | $86K | 18% |
| China | $64K | 13% |
| Mozambique | $43K | 9% |
| Thailand | $25K | 5.2% |
| Germany | $17K | 3.5% |
| United Kingdom | $7K | 1.4% |
| Estonia | $7K | 1.4% |
| Czech Republic | $6K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa welded steel shapes exports (HS 7301.20): 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 7301.20: Iron or steel: angles, shapes and sections, welded.
Common questions
What is the value of welded steel shapes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported welded steel shapes worth $2.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 834 tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 114 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries buy welded steel shapes from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 35% of the value ($700 thousand), followed by Namibia (13%) and Lesotho (8%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 34 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 524% on the year.
What is the average export price of welded steel shapes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.43 per kg in 2024, 29% above the world average of $1.88 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of welded steel shapes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.2 million in 2017 to $2.0 million in 2024, a fall of 37%. The peak was 2021 at $3.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also import welded steel shapes?
Yes. South Africa imported $478 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Spain, India and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for welded steel shapes?
The HS code for welded steel shapes is subheading 7301.20. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7301 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 welded steel shapes trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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