South Africa: Ferrous Scrap Exports Stable in Nov'18

As per recent customs data released, South African scrap exports have observed stability since Sept'18. The country exported 37,215 MT ferrous scrap in Oct’18, marginally up 2% M-o-M against 37,215 MT in Oct’18.

On yearly premises, the country witnessed considerable fall of 20% in scrap exports as against 47,965 MT ferrous scrap recorded in Nov’17.

India remained the largest importer of South African ferrous scrap - India imported 20,721 MT ferrous scrap in Nov’18 occupying highest 54% share. Indian scrap imports drop 9% M-o-M as against 22,796 MT ferrous scrap in Nov’18. Pakistan observed considerable growth of 24% M-o-M importing 8,151 MT ferrous scrap followed by Bangladesh (6,971 MT, up 43% M-o-M) and Kenya (1,074 MT, up 10% M-o-M) in Nov’18.

Although Indian scrap imports dropped marginally, rising purchases from Pakistan and Bangladesh held South Korean exports stable in November on a monthly basis.

Top three importers India, Pakistan and Bangladesh occupied 54%, 21% and 18% share individually comprising a total 93% share of ferrous scrap exports from South Africa in Nov’18.

Port-wise - Durban port remained the top port for scrap export activities again in Nov’18. The scrap exports made from Durban port recorded at 24,554 MT occupying 64% share followed by other prominent ports like Pretoria (6,043 MT), Johannesburg (5,568 MT) and Port Elizabeth (1,762 MT) occupying 16%, 15% and 5% share respectively.

South African offers for containerized HMS 1&2 scrap showed a marginal correction in Nov’18. Average export price recorded at USD 335/MT, CFR Nhava Sheva in Nov’18 as against USD 340/MT, CFR levels in Oct’18.

Scrap exports stable; Pig Iron exports rise 25% Y-o-Y in Jan-Nov’18 - South Africa exported 432,167 MT ferrous scrap during Jan-Nov’18, almost stable as against 425,098 MT during the same period last year. On a yearly basis, Indian scrap imports surged by 59% from South Africa while Pakistan and Bangladesh have observed a drop of 26% and 10% Y-o-Y in CY18.

On the other hand, Pig Iron exports recorded at 565,172 MT in Jan-Nov’18, up 25% Y-o-Y. India remained the third largest importer of South African pig iron and imported 53,321 MT during Jan-Nov’18.

According to the data released by World Steel Association, crude steel production in South Africa lowered to 0.528 MnT in Nov’18 as against 0.548 MnT in Oct’18. During Jan-Nov’18, South Africa produced 5.90 MnT crude steel as against 5.80 MnT in Jan-Nov’17.