Copper scrap trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in copper scrap was worth $37.23 billion in 2024, about 5.78 million tonnes. That is an increase of 61% since 2017, and up 14% 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 | $37.23B | 5.78M t |
| 2023 | $32.72B | 5.50M t |
| 2022 | $34.53B | 5.65M t |
| 2021 | $35.14B | 6.03M t |
| 2020 | $20.74B | 4.98M t |
| 2019 | $23.51B | 5.80M t |
| 2018 | $25.13B | 6.14M t |
| 2017 | $23.16B | 6.44M t |
Top copper scrap exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 15% of world exports, followed by Germany and Japan. The top three supply 28% between them, out of 198 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $5.44B | 15% |
| Germany | $2.51B | 6.8% |
| Japan | $2.45B | 6.6% |
| France | $1.69B | 4.6% |
| United Kingdom | $1.67B | 4.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1.41B | 3.8% |
| Netherlands | $1.36B | 3.6% |
| Italy | $1.25B | 3.4% |
| Mexico | $1.17B | 3.1% |
| Thailand | $1.15B | 3.1% |
| Spain | $917.2M | 2.5% |
| Taiwan | $906.0M | 2.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are China (38%), Germany (8%) and South Korea (6%). 131 countries imported it, and the top three take 53% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $14.23B | 38% |
| Germany | $3.03B | 8.1% |
| South Korea | $2.30B | 6.2% |
| India | $2.01B | 5.4% |
| Japan | $1.89B | 5.1% |
| Belgium | $1.78B | 4.8% |
| Italy | $973.7M | 2.6% |
| Poland | $931.8M | 2.5% |
| United States | $816.4M | 2.2% |
| Spain | $778.6M | 2.1% |
| Taiwan | $719.2M | 1.9% |
| Austria | $661.4M | 1.8% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $6.44 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Saudi Arabia averaged $8.02 per kg and France $5.55 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 7404: Copper; waste and scrap. HS 7404 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most copper scrap?
The United States exported $5.44 billion in 2024, 15% of the world total, followed by Germany (7%) and Japan (7%). In all, 198 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most copper scrap?
China imported $14.23 billion in 2024, 38% of world imports, ahead of Germany (8%) and South Korea (6%). The top three importers together take 53%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in copper scrap?
It was worth $37.23 billion in 2024, about 5.78 million tonnes. That is an increase of 61% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 198 countries reported exports and 131 reported imports.
What is the average price of copper scrap per kg?
The world average declared value was about $6.44 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Saudi Arabia averaged $8.02 per kg and France $5.55 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 scrap?
The HS code for copper scrap is heading 7404, 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 7404 page.
How can I find copper 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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