Precious metal articles trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in precious metal articles was worth $9.86 billion in 2024, about 4.6 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 215% since 2017, and up 29% 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 | $9.86B | 4.6K t |
| 2023 | $7.64B | 6.5K t |
| 2022 | $9.47B | 6.9K t |
| 2021 | $7.79B | 7.9K t |
| 2020 | $7.96B | 4.8K t |
| 2019 | $3.53B | 4.9K t |
| 2018 | $3.27B | 7.7K t |
| 2017 | $3.14B | 3.8K t |
Top precious metal articles exporting countries
South Africa is the largest exporter with 29% of world exports, followed by Hong Kong and Australia. The top three supply 50% between them, out of 114 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $2.84B | 29% |
| Hong Kong | $1.16B | 12% |
| Australia | $892.5M | 9.1% |
| United States | $875.4M | 8.9% |
| Germany | $689.8M | 7% |
| Japan | $667.7M | 6.8% |
| Canada | $584.2M | 5.9% |
| China | $255.7M | 2.6% |
| United Kingdom | $188.1M | 1.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $168.9M | 1.7% |
| Kazakhstan | $156.7M | 1.6% |
| France | $155.8M | 1.6% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 63% of world imports, ahead of Canada and Malaysia. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 72% across 181 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6.23B | 63% |
| Canada | $448.6M | 4.6% |
| Malaysia | $378.7M | 3.8% |
| Singapore | $370.2M | 3.8% |
| Germany | $228.4M | 2.3% |
| China | $204.7M | 2.1% |
| Thailand | $201.6M | 2% |
| Hong Kong | $161.4M | 1.6% |
| France | $143.7M | 1.5% |
| Japan | $109.9M | 1.1% |
| Belgium | $107.4M | 1.1% |
| Poland | $104.3M | 1.1% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $2,146.66 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, South Africa averaged $68,320.27 per kg and China $403.13 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 7115: Articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal. HS 7115 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most precious metal articles?
South Africa exported $2.84 billion in 2024, 29% of the world total, followed by Hong Kong (12%) and Australia (9%). In all, 114 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most precious metal articles?
The United States imported $6.23 billion in 2024, 63% of world imports, ahead of Canada (5%) and Malaysia (4%). The top three importers together take 72%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in precious metal articles?
It was worth $9.86 billion in 2024, about 4.6 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 215% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 114 countries reported exports and 181 reported imports.
What is the average price of precious metal articles per kg?
The world average declared value was about $2,146.66 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, South Africa averaged $68,320.27 per kg and China $403.13 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 precious metal articles?
The HS code for precious metal articles is heading 7115, in chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 7115 page.
How can I find precious metal articles 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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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