South Africa: Market for Tubes, Pipes And Hollow Profiles (Of Iron Or Steel) 2025

Market Size for Tubes, Pipes And Hollow Profiles (Of Iron Or Steel) in South Africa

The South African market for tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) expanded markedly to $X in 2021, surging by 8.1% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Consumption of peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Production of Tubes, Pipes And Hollow Profiles (Of Iron Or Steel) in South Africa

In value terms, production of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) rose notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 14%. Production of peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Tubes, Pipes And Hollow Profiles (Of Iron Or Steel)

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, shipments abroad of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) increased by 2% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 83% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, exports of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) surged to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, saw a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 89%. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Botswana (X tons), the United States (X tons) and Namibia (X tons) were the main destinations of exports of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) from South Africa, with a combined 52% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Swaziland, Zambia, Lesotho, the United Arab Emirates, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Singapore and Italy, which together accounted for a further 40%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Swaziland (with a CAGR of +9.2%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for iron or steel pipe and tube exported from South Africa were Botswana ($X), Namibia ($X) and Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), with a combined 51% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Zimbabwe, the United States, Zambia, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Italy and Singapore, which together accounted for a further 40%.

Swaziland, with a CAGR of +7.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average export price for tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 43% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Singapore ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Mozambique (+2.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Tubes, Pipes And Hollow Profiles (Of Iron Or Steel)

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) were imported into South Africa; rising by 33% on the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 40%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports of remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, recorded a pronounced decline. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of iron or steel pipe and tube to South Africa, accounting for a 74% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Mozambique (X tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), with a 4.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from China totaled +5.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mozambique (-10.0% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (-5.3% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) to South Africa, comprising 57% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 6.9% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany, with a 4.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from China amounted to +3.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (-9.2% per year) and Germany (-8.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a noticeable contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 19%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the price for Mozambique ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+2.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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