Zinc scrap exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of zinc scrap by South Africa reached $2.8 million in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). That is 14% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 20% a year on average.
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 | $2.8M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $2.4M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $2.8M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $1.8M | 1.0K t |
| 2020 | $1.5M | 879 t |
| 2019 | $994K | 632 t |
| 2018 | $913K | 473 t |
| 2017 | $767K | 414 t |
Where South Africa exports zinc scrap to
India alone took 81% of it. Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+35% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.3M | 82% |
| Hong Kong | $424K | 15% |
| Sri Lanka | $48K | 1.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $43K | 1.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.75 per kg, 28% above the world average of $1.37. 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.
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 7902: Zinc; waste and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of zinc scrap exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported zinc scrap worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 123 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries buy zinc scrap from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 81% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Hong Kong (15%) and Sri Lanka (2%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 5 buyer countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 35% on the year.
What is the average export price of zinc scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.75 per kg in 2024, 28% above the world average of $1.37 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 zinc scrap from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $767 thousand in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024, an increase of 262%. The peak was 2022 at $2.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for zinc scrap?
The HS code for zinc scrap is heading 7902. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7902.00. It sits in HS chapter 79 (zinc and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7902 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.