Steel drums imports in Zimbabwe: data, top suppliers and prices
Zimbabwe imported $5.0 million of steel drums in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). That is 17% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average.
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 | $5.0M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $4.3M | 2.4K t |
| 2022 | $5.1M | 3.1K t |
| 2021 | $4.6M | 2.6K t |
| 2020 | $2.6M | 1.5K t |
| 2019 | $3.0M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $1.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $2.1M | 907 t |
Where Zimbabwe imports steel drums from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 78% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+274% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.9M | 78% |
| China | $561K | 11% |
| Zambia | $417K | 8.3% |
| Italy | $60K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $18K | 0.4% |
| Malaysia | $5K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $5K | 0.1% |
| India | $5K | 0.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $4K | 0.1% |
| Br. Virgin Isds | $4K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 7310
| 7310.21 | Tinplate can | 54% |
| 7310.29 | Steel can (other) | 27% |
| 7310.10 | Steel drum | 19% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7310.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.22 per kg, 41% below the world average of $3.78, 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 Zimbabwe?
The shipment records behind Zimbabwe steel drums imports (HS 7310): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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: Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated.
Common questions
What is the value of steel drums imported by Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe imported steel drums worth $5.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 101st of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply steel drums to Zimbabwe?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 78% of the value ($3.9 million), followed by China (11%) and Zambia (8%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 274% on the year.
What is the average import price of steel drums per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.22 per kg in 2024, 41% below the world average of $3.78 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of steel drums to Zimbabwe changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.1 million in 2017 to $5.0 million in 2024, an increase of 144%. The peak was 2022 at $5.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel drums?
The HS code for steel drums is heading 7310. In Zimbabwe the largest six-digit codes were 7310.21 (54% of the value) and 7310.29 (27%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For Zimbabwe, 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
Steel drums product types in Zimbabwe
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