Nickel scrap trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in nickel scrap was worth $1.31 billion in 2024, about 203.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 78% since 2017, and down 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 | $1.31B | 203.2K t |
| 2023 | $1.44B | 194.6K t |
| 2022 | $1.41B | 176.9K t |
| 2021 | $911.3M | 156.8K t |
| 2020 | $931.8M | 181.0K t |
| 2019 | $1.05B | 171.3K t |
| 2018 | $945.3M | 153.4K t |
| 2017 | $733.7M | 130.5K t |
Top nickel scrap exporting countries
The United Kingdom is the largest exporter with 15% of world exports, followed by the United States and Germany. The top three supply 37% between them, out of 99 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $189.5M | 15% |
| United States | $180.7M | 14% |
| Germany | $114.3M | 8.8% |
| Canada | $81.2M | 6.2% |
| France | $75.0M | 5.7% |
| China | $59.0M | 4.5% |
| Singapore | $54.3M | 4.2% |
| Saudi Arabia | $46.7M | 3.6% |
| South Korea | $39.3M | 3% |
| Mexico | $39.3M | 3% |
| Japan | $38.3M | 2.9% |
| Austria | $34.6M | 2.7% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United States (29%), the United Kingdom (12%) and Japan (10%). 71 countries imported it, and the top three take 51% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $384.7M | 30% |
| United Kingdom | $153.5M | 12% |
| Japan | $129.8M | 9.9% |
| Germany | $119.1M | 9.1% |
| Canada | $97.9M | 7.5% |
| Sweden | $79.8M | 6.1% |
| India | $45.6M | 3.5% |
| Singapore | $33.6M | 2.6% |
| Italy | $30.2M | 2.3% |
| Taiwan | $26.3M | 2% |
| France | $24.2M | 1.9% |
| South Korea | $21.8M | 1.7% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $6.43 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United Kingdom averaged $13.27 per kg and Canada $4.19 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 7503: Nickel; waste and scrap. HS 7503 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most nickel scrap?
The United Kingdom exported $189.5 million in 2024, 15% of the world total, followed by the United States (14%) and Germany (9%). In all, 99 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most nickel scrap?
The United States imported $384.7 million in 2024, 29% of world imports, ahead of the United Kingdom (12%) and Japan (10%). The top three importers together take 51%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in nickel scrap?
It was worth $1.31 billion in 2024, about 203.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 78% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $1.44 billion. 99 countries reported exports and 71 reported imports.
What is the average price of nickel scrap per kg?
The world average declared value was about $6.43 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United Kingdom averaged $13.27 per kg and Canada $4.19 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 nickel scrap?
The HS code for nickel scrap is heading 7503, in chapter 75 (nickel 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 7503 page.
How can I find nickel 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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