Welding electrode coating imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of welding electrode coating by South Africa reached $2.5 million in 2024 (997 tonnes). That is 27% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $2.5M | 997 t |
| 2023 | $1.9M | 637 t |
| 2022 | $1.9M | 652 t |
| 2021 | $1.9M | 647 t |
| 2020 | $1.8M | 889 t |
| 2019 | $1.4M | 504 t |
| 2018 | $2.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 965 t |
Where South Africa imports welding electrode coating from
Most of the value came from Poland (20%), United States (19%), France (18%). Among the main suppliers, Poland grew fastest (+714% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | $483K | 20% |
| United States | $465K | 19% |
| France | $453K | 18% |
| Germany | $334K | 14% |
| China | $291K | 12% |
| Netherlands | $100K | 4.1% |
| Czech Republic | $89K | 3.6% |
| Italy | $47K | 1.9% |
| India | $43K | 1.8% |
| Turkey | $37K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.48 per kg, 21% below the world average of $3.15, 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.
Welding electrode coating exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported welding electrode coating worth $1.5 million (425 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (34%), Saudi Arabia (19%), Botswana (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+398% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $512K | 35% |
| Saudi Arabia | $277K | 19% |
| Botswana | $271K | 18% |
| Namibia | $93K | 6.2% |
| Mozambique | $55K | 3.7% |
| Tanzania | $53K | 3.6% |
| Colombia | $47K | 3.1% |
| Zambia | $40K | 2.7% |
| Lesotho | $24K | 1.6% |
| Sweden | $22K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa welding electrode coating imports (HS 3810.90): 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 3810.90: Fluxes and other auxiliary preparations: for soldering, brazing or welding, or preparations used as cores or coatings for welding electrodes or rods.
Common questions
What is the value of welding electrode coating imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported welding electrode coating worth $2.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 997 tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 207 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply welding electrode coating to South Africa?
Poland was the largest supplier with 20% of the value ($483 thousand), followed by the United States (19%) and France (18%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 33 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 714% on the year.
What is the average import price of welding electrode coating per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.48 per kg in 2024, 21% below the world average of $3.15 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of welding electrode coating to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. The peak was 2018 at $2.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export welding electrode coating?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $985 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for welding electrode coating?
The HS code for welding electrode coating is subheading 3810.90. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3810 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World welding electrode coating trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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