Iron and steel scrap trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in iron and steel scrap was worth $44.45 billion in 2024, about 100.41 million tonnes. That is an increase of 19% since 2017, and down 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 | $44.45B | 100.41M t |
| 2023 | $47.60B | 105.04M t |
| 2022 | $54.55B | 105.79M t |
| 2021 | $58.63B | 120.19M t |
| 2020 | $34.74B | 109.44M t |
| 2019 | $37.65B | 112.95M t |
| 2018 | $44.27B | 113.90M t |
| 2017 | $37.50B | 108.95M t |
Top iron and steel scrap exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (14%), Germany (9%) and the United Kingdom (8%). 206 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 31%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6.33B | 14% |
| Germany | $4.19B | 9.4% |
| United Kingdom | $3.36B | 7.6% |
| Netherlands | $3.02B | 6.8% |
| France | $2.83B | 6.4% |
| Japan | $2.60B | 5.8% |
| Canada | $1.94B | 4.4% |
| Belgium | $1.58B | 3.6% |
| Poland | $1.37B | 3.1% |
| Australia | $1.09B | 2.4% |
| Czech Republic | $978.2M | 2.2% |
| Sweden | $690.9M | 1.6% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Turkey is the biggest buyer with 19% of world imports, ahead of India and Italy. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 35% across 171 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $8.37B | 19% |
| India | $4.74B | 11% |
| Italy | $2.47B | 5.6% |
| Belgium | $2.47B | 5.6% |
| Germany | $2.08B | 4.7% |
| United States | $1.94B | 4.4% |
| Egypt | $1.62B | 3.7% |
| Bangladesh | $1.59B | 3.6% |
| Vietnam | $1.58B | 3.5% |
| Pakistan | $1.55B | 3.5% |
| Netherlands | $1.41B | 3.2% |
| Taiwan | $1.30B | 2.9% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.44 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $0.52 per kg and Japan $0.39 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 7204: Ferrous waste and scrap; remelting scrap ingots of iron or steel. HS 7204 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most iron and steel scrap?
The United States exported $6.33 billion in 2024, 14% of the world total, followed by Germany (9%) and the United Kingdom (8%). In all, 206 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most iron and steel scrap?
Turkey imported $8.37 billion in 2024, 19% of world imports, ahead of India (11%) and Italy (6%). The top three importers together take 35%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in iron and steel scrap?
It was worth $44.45 billion in 2024, about 100.41 million tonnes. That is an increase of 19% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $58.63 billion. 206 countries reported exports and 171 reported imports.
What is the average price of iron and steel scrap per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.44 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $0.52 per kg and Japan $0.39 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 iron and steel scrap?
The HS code for iron and steel scrap is heading 7204, in chapter 72 (iron and steel). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 7204 page.
How can I find iron and steel 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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