SADC: Expanded Metal Market 2024

Expanded Metal Market Size in SADC

In 2022, the SADC expanded metal market decreased by -0.3% to $X for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2021, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

Expanded Metal Production in SADC

In value terms, expanded metal production dropped to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a pronounced increase 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 -0.1% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 24% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2021, and then reduced slightly in the following year.

Expanded Metal Exports

Exports in SADC

Expanded metal exports surged to X tons in 2022, with an increase of 15% on the previous year. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 18%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, expanded metal exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 41% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2022, South Africa (X tons) represented the key exporter of iron or steel expanded metal in SADC, committing 96% of total export.

South Africa experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of iron or steel expanded metal. South Africa (-2.5 p.p.) significantly weakened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

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

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

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, flattening at the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 58%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

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 -0.0% per year.

Expanded Metal Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2022, overseas purchases of iron or steel expanded metal were finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. Overall, imports enjoyed a mild expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when imports increased by 52% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, expanded metal imports rose significantly to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 52%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons) and Tanzania (X tons) represented roughly 44% of total imports in 2022. Zambia (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 9% share, followed by Namibia (7.8%), Mozambique (7.8%), South Africa (7.5%), Zimbabwe (5.6%) and Botswana (4.6%).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Namibia (with a CAGR of +21.7%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest expanded metal importing markets in SADC were Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), Mozambique ($X) and South Africa ($X), with a combined 45% share of total imports. Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 35%.

Among the main importing countries, Namibia, with a CAGR of +13.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, falling by -19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the import price increased by 22%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per ton), while Tanzania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mozambique (+1.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform