Africa: Metal Chain Market 2025

Metal Chain Market Size in Africa

In 2022, the African metal chain market increased by 7.3% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Metal Chain Production in Africa

In value terms, metal chain production reduced modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total production indicated tangible growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by +0.6% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 31%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Metal Chain Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2022, shipments abroad of iron or steel chain decreased by -13.7% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a tangible expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 153% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, metal chain exports rose significantly to $X in 2022. Overall, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 60% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

South Africa (X tons) represented roughly 92% of total exports in 2022.

South Africa was also the fastest-growing in terms of the iron or steel chain exports, with a CAGR of +3.2% from 2012 to 2022. While the share of South Africa (+10 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) also remains the largest metal chain supplier in Africa.

In South Africa, metal chain exports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 26% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a pronounced descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 41%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for South Africa.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for South Africa amounted to -3.8% per year.

Metal Chain Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2022, imports of iron or steel chain in Africa surged to X tons, increasing by 36% against 2021 figures. Total imports indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +38.5% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 42% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, metal chain imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, South Africa (X tons), distantly followed by Burkina Faso (X tons), Nigeria (X tons), Kenya (X tons), Morocco (X tons) and Tanzania (X tons) represented the largest importers of iron or steel chain, together constituting 61% of total imports. Tunisia (X tons), Uganda (X tons), Mozambique (X tons), Algeria (X tons), Senegal (X tons), Zimbabwe (X tons) and Cote d'Ivoire (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Burkina Faso (with a CAGR of +40.3%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported iron or steel chain in Africa, comprising 25% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Burkina Faso ($X), with an 11% share of total imports. It was followed by Nigeria, with a 7.5% share.

In South Africa, metal chain imports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Burkina Faso (+24.0% per year) and Nigeria (+6.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -8.8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a pronounced downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the import price increased by 23%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2022, the import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Algeria ($X per ton), while Uganda ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Algeria (+3.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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