Aluminium scrap trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in aluminium scrap was worth $22.62 billion in 2024, about 12.70 million tonnes. That is an increase of 59% since 2017, and up 8% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $22.62B | 12.70M t |
| 2023 | $20.89B | 12.32M t |
| 2022 | $23.30B | 12.29M t |
| 2021 | $20.34B | 12.19M t |
| 2020 | $11.69B | 9.92M t |
| 2019 | $13.20B | 10.43M t |
| 2018 | $15.43B | 10.05M t |
| 2017 | $14.19B | 9.71M t |
Top aluminium scrap exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 16% of world exports, followed by Germany and Canada. The top three supply 31% between them, out of 201 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3.62B | 16% |
| Germany | $2.12B | 9.4% |
| Canada | $1.23B | 5.5% |
| United Kingdom | $1.08B | 4.8% |
| Netherlands | $1.03B | 4.6% |
| France | $859.7M | 3.8% |
| Thailand | $802.9M | 3.6% |
| Mexico | $781.5M | 3.5% |
| Australia | $728.3M | 3.2% |
| Japan | $644.1M | 2.9% |
| Saudi Arabia | $589.9M | 2.6% |
| Spain | $573.9M | 2.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
India is the biggest buyer with 16% of world imports, ahead of China and Germany. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 34% across 147 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.61B | 16% |
| China | $2.25B | 9.9% |
| Germany | $1.82B | 8% |
| South Korea | $1.72B | 7.6% |
| Thailand | $1.44B | 6.4% |
| United States | $1.33B | 5.9% |
| Hong Kong | $1.01B | 4.5% |
| Italy | $995.4M | 4.4% |
| Malaysia | $820.4M | 3.6% |
| Spain | $570.6M | 2.5% |
| France | $528.6M | 2.3% |
| Austria | $522.7M | 2.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.78 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Mexico averaged $1.99 per kg and France $1.43 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 7602: Aluminium; waste and scrap. HS 7602 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most aluminium scrap?
The United States exported $3.62 billion in 2024, 16% of the world total, followed by Germany (9%) and Canada (5%). In all, 201 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most aluminium scrap?
India imported $3.61 billion in 2024, 16% of world imports, ahead of China (10%) and Germany (8%). The top three importers together take 34%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in aluminium scrap?
It was worth $22.62 billion in 2024, about 12.70 million tonnes. That is an increase of 59% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $23.30 billion. 201 countries reported exports and 147 reported imports.
What is the average price of aluminium scrap per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.78 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Mexico averaged $1.99 per kg and France $1.43 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for aluminium scrap?
The HS code for aluminium scrap is heading 7602, in chapter 76 (aluminium and articles thereof). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 7602 page.
How can I find aluminium scrap buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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