Metal slag trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in metal slag was worth $4.85 billion in 2024, about 4.54 million tonnes. That is an increase of 38% since 2017, and up 13% 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 | $4.85B | 4.54M t |
| 2023 | $4.29B | 5.37M t |
| 2022 | $4.55B | 5.34M t |
| 2021 | $4.46B | 5.70M t |
| 2020 | $3.84B | 5.76M t |
| 2019 | $3.94B | 6.16M t |
| 2018 | $3.99B | 5.27M t |
| 2017 | $3.51B | 5.80M t |
Top metal slag exporting countries
Exports are led by Australia (14%), Canada (10%) and Finland (9%). 132 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 33%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $660.0M | 14% |
| Canada | $493.0M | 10% |
| Finland | $454.4M | 9.4% |
| United States | $306.3M | 6.3% |
| Germany | $279.7M | 5.8% |
| Netherlands | $223.2M | 4.6% |
| Belgium | $221.9M | 4.6% |
| France | $188.6M | 3.9% |
| Norway | $160.7M | 3.3% |
| Chile | $148.9M | 3.1% |
| United Kingdom | $133.2M | 2.8% |
| Italy | $122.2M | 2.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are South Korea (15%), Sweden (11%) and Belgium (9%). 136 countries imported it, and the top three take 34% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $726.6M | 15% |
| Sweden | $511.3M | 11% |
| Belgium | $423.5M | 8.7% |
| Germany | $359.6M | 7.4% |
| United States | $358.3M | 7.4% |
| Japan | $303.9M | 6.3% |
| Canada | $240.5M | 5% |
| Spain | $237.8M | 4.9% |
| Netherlands | $204.5M | 4.2% |
| India | $154.6M | 3.2% |
| France | $153.1M | 3.2% |
| Italy | $125.1M | 2.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.07 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Finland averaged $14.22 per kg and Canada $0.99 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 2620: Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel) containing metals, arsenic or their compounds. HS 2620 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most metal slag?
Australia exported $660.0 million in 2024, 14% of the world total, followed by Canada (10%) and Finland (9%). In all, 132 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most metal slag?
South Korea imported $726.6 million in 2024, 15% of world imports, ahead of Sweden (11%) and Belgium (9%). 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 metal slag?
It was worth $4.85 billion in 2024, about 4.54 million tonnes. That is an increase of 38% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 132 countries reported exports and 136 reported imports.
What is the average price of metal slag per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.07 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Finland averaged $14.22 per kg and Canada $0.99 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 metal slag?
The HS code for metal slag is heading 2620, in chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2620 page.
How can I find metal slag 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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