Other ferrous scrap trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in other ferrous scrap was worth $28.99 billion in 2024, about 75.77 million tonnes. That is an increase of 28% since 2017, and down 5% 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 | $28.99B | 75.77M t |
| 2023 | $30.62B | 78.81M t |
| 2022 | $34.60B | 78.13M t |
| 2021 | $37.15B | 87.24M t |
| 2020 | $21.39B | 80.37M t |
| 2019 | $22.97B | 80.84M t |
| 2018 | $27.63B | 82.74M t |
| 2017 | $22.74B | 78.63M t |
Top other ferrous scrap exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (18%), the United Kingdom (10%) and the Netherlands (7%). 197 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 34%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $5.18B | 18% |
| United Kingdom | $2.80B | 9.7% |
| Netherlands | $1.90B | 6.5% |
| Japan | $1.87B | 6.5% |
| Germany | $1.83B | 6.3% |
| France | $1.76B | 6.1% |
| Belgium | $1.26B | 4.3% |
| Canada | $889.5M | 3.1% |
| Australia | $781.2M | 2.7% |
| Poland | $764.2M | 2.6% |
| Czech Republic | $718.5M | 2.5% |
| Romania | $523.1M | 1.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Turkey is the biggest buyer with 27% of world imports, ahead of India and Egypt. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 41% across 150 importing countries.
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.38 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $0.41 per kg and Japan $0.36 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 Other ferrous scrap (HS 7204.49) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 7204.49: Ferrous waste and scrap: n.e.c. in heading no. 7204. HS 7204 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most other ferrous scrap?
The United States exported $5.18 billion in 2024, 18% of the world total, followed by the United Kingdom (10%) and the Netherlands (7%). In all, 197 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most other ferrous scrap?
Turkey imported $7.89 billion in 2024, 27% of world imports, ahead of India (9%) and Egypt (5%). The top three importers together take 41%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in other ferrous scrap?
It was worth $28.99 billion in 2024, about 75.77 million tonnes. That is an increase of 28% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $37.15 billion. 197 countries reported exports and 150 reported imports.
What is the average price of other ferrous scrap per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.38 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $0.41 per kg and Japan $0.36 per kg, so grade and origin matter. Read it as a benchmark: it blends all grades, origins and contract terms.
What is the HS code for other ferrous scrap?
The HS code for other ferrous scrap is subheading 7204.49, in chapter 72 (iron and steel). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 7204 page.
How can I find other ferrous scrap buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of other ferrous scrap by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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