Copper ingots trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in copper ingots was worth $95.63 billion in 2024, about 10.48 million tonnes. That is an increase of 57% since 2017, and up 9% 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 | $95.63B | 10.48M t |
| 2023 | $87.72B | 10.44M t |
| 2022 | $92.32B | 10.49M t |
| 2021 | $91.71B | 10.15M t |
| 2020 | $65.80B | 10.63M t |
| 2019 | $61.38B | 10.10M t |
| 2018 | $69.33B | 10.37M t |
| 2017 | $60.96B | 10.96M t |
Top copper ingots exporting countries
The DR Congo is the largest exporter with 20% of world exports, followed by Chile and Japan. The top three supply 46% between them, out of 150 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $19.50B | 20% |
| Chile | $17.18B | 18% |
| Japan | $7.21B | 7.5% |
| Kazakhstan | $4.17B | 4.4% |
| Australia | $3.63B | 3.8% |
| Russia | $3.22B | 3.4% |
| China | $3.13B | 3.3% |
| Poland | $2.76B | 2.9% |
| Peru | $2.52B | 2.6% |
| Zambia | $2.52B | 2.6% |
| Indonesia | $2.25B | 2.4% |
| Bulgaria | $1.87B | 2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are China (39%), the United States (9%) and Taiwan (5%). 184 countries imported it, and the top three take 54% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $37.71B | 39% |
| United States | $8.42B | 8.8% |
| Taiwan | $5.08B | 5.3% |
| Italy | $5.01B | 5.2% |
| Germany | $4.19B | 4.4% |
| Turkey | $3.49B | 3.7% |
| Thailand | $3.27B | 3.4% |
| India | $2.75B | 2.9% |
| South Korea | $2.63B | 2.8% |
| Brazil | $2.55B | 2.7% |
| Malaysia | $2.27B | 2.4% |
| Vietnam | $1.91B | 2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $9.12 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, China averaged $9.81 per kg and Kazakhstan $8.50 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 7403: Copper; refined and copper alloys, unwrought. HS 7403 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most copper ingots?
The DR Congo exported $19.50 billion in 2024, 20% of the world total, followed by Chile (18%) and Japan (8%). In all, 150 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most copper ingots?
China imported $37.71 billion in 2024, 39% of world imports, ahead of the United States (9%) and Taiwan (5%). The top three importers together take 54%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in copper ingots?
It was worth $95.63 billion in 2024, about 10.48 million tonnes. That is an increase of 57% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 150 countries reported exports and 184 reported imports.
What is the average price of copper ingots per kg?
The world average declared value was about $9.12 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, China averaged $9.81 per kg and Kazakhstan $8.50 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 copper ingots?
The HS code for copper ingots is heading 7403, in chapter 74 (copper 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 7403 page.
How can I find copper ingots 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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