Gold scrap and waste trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in gold scrap and waste was worth $15.04 billion in 2024, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 63% since 2017, and up 7% 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 | $15.04B | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $14.05B | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $10.28B | 3.0K t |
| 2021 | $8.78B | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $11.92B | 29.8K t |
| 2019 | $12.01B | 27.9K t |
| 2018 | $8.54B | 13.8K t |
| 2017 | $9.22B | 19.1K t |
Top gold scrap and waste exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (27%), Indonesia (13%) and Hong Kong (7%). 114 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 47%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.09B | 27% |
| Indonesia | $2.03B | 14% |
| Hong Kong | $1.02B | 6.8% |
| United Kingdom | $975.9M | 6.5% |
| France | $801.5M | 5.3% |
| Japan | $733.1M | 4.9% |
| Philippines | $731.3M | 4.9% |
| Singapore | $611.5M | 4.1% |
| Thailand | $519.3M | 3.5% |
| Belgium | $302.2M | 2% |
| Austria | $286.2M | 1.9% |
| Switzerland | $279.2M | 1.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Canada is the biggest buyer with 26% of world imports, ahead of Switzerland and Hong Kong. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 58% across 85 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $3.98B | 27% |
| Switzerland | $3.02B | 20% |
| Hong Kong | $1.72B | 12% |
| Spain | $1.54B | 10% |
| Germany | $1.12B | 7.4% |
| Singapore | $842.7M | 5.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $662.5M | 4.4% |
| United States | $510.9M | 3.4% |
| Italy | $362.3M | 2.4% |
| Japan | $333.4M | 2.2% |
| Belgium | $206.5M | 1.4% |
| Malaysia | $203.3M | 1.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $11,700.29 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $70,555.86 per kg and France $15,620.61 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?
The shipment records behind Gold scrap and waste (HS 7112.91) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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 7112.91: Waste and scrap of precious metals: of gold, including metal clad with gold but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals. HS 7112 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most gold scrap and waste?
The United States exported $4.09 billion in 2024, 27% of the world total, followed by Indonesia (13%) and Hong Kong (7%). In all, 114 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most gold scrap and waste?
Canada imported $3.98 billion in 2024, 26% of world imports, ahead of Switzerland (20%) and Hong Kong (11%). The top three importers together take 58%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in gold scrap and waste?
It was worth $15.04 billion in 2024, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 63% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 114 countries reported exports and 85 reported imports.
What is the average price of gold scrap and waste per kg?
The world average declared value was about $11,700.29 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $70,555.86 per kg and France $15,620.61 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 gold scrap and waste?
The HS code for gold scrap and waste is subheading 7112.91, in chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 7112 page.
How can I find gold scrap and waste buyers and suppliers?
Company names sit below these country totals: EximDataX reads the customs records shipment by shipment, with dates and values. We can show gold scrap and waste buyers and suppliers on a short call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.