In March this year, the value of South Africa's exports of base metals and articles thereof totaled ZAR 7.8 billion ($1 billion), decreasing by 5.9 percent or ZAR 490 million ($63.5 million) over the previous month, according to data released by the South African Revenue Service. In the first quarter of the current year, South Africa's export value of base metals and articles thereof was ZAR 24.6 billion  ($3.2 billion), down 3.1 percent or ZAR 776 million ($100.5 million) compared to the first quarter of 2011.
On the other hand, in the first quarter of this year, South Africa's mineral products export value rose by 28.7 percent compared to the first quarter 2011 to ZAR 48.4 billion ($6.3 billion). The country has boosted exports of coal and iron ore to meet rising demand from Asian markets, including China, the world's biggest coal consumer. The country's total exports rose nine percent to ZAR 61.3 billion ($7.9 billion) in March from the previous month, led by a 25 percent, or ZAR 3.5 billion ($453.5 million), surge in coal and iron ore shipments, the revenue service said
Source: Steel Orbis