South Africa: Aluminum Market 2024

Aluminum Market Size in South Africa

In 2021, the South African aluminum market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. Overall, consumption, however, recorded a mild downturn. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Aluminum Production in South Africa

In value terms, aluminum production expanded to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 23%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Aluminum Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of aluminum decreased by -10.7% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 25%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, aluminum exports reached $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 30% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Brazil (X tons) were the main destinations of aluminum exports from South Africa, with a combined 52% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Brazil (with a CAGR of +119.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and Brazil ($X) were the largest markets for aluminum exported from South Africa worldwide, together accounting for 52% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Brazil, with a CAGR of +115.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average aluminum export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 14% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 21% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major export markets. In 2021, the highest price was recorded for prices to the Netherlands ($X per ton) and the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to China ($X per ton) and Brazil ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Switzerland (+0.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Aluminum Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, aluminum imports into South Africa soared to X tons, with an increase of 36% compared with the previous year. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a deep slump. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, aluminum imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a noticeable decrease. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Bahrain (X tons), India (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) were the main suppliers of aluminum imports to South Africa, together accounting for 76% of total imports. Qatar, Vietnam, Russia, South Korea, Australia and Malaysia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 22%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Vietnam (with a CAGR of +103.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest aluminum suppliers to South Africa were Bahrain ($X), India ($X) and the United Arab Emirates ($X), together accounting for 75% of total imports. Qatar, Vietnam, Russia, South Korea, Australia and Malaysia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 23%.

Vietnam, with a CAGR of +106.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average aluminum import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 50% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.5%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Australia ($X per ton), while the price for the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia (+6.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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