Precious metal scrap trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in precious metal scrap was worth $33.21 billion in 2024, about 291.9 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 49% since 2017, and down 2% 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 | $33.21B | 291.9K t |
| 2023 | $33.79B | 336.2K t |
| 2022 | $38.66B | 376.5K t |
| 2021 | $46.66B | 535.0K t |
| 2020 | $37.51B | 590.0K t |
| 2019 | $31.45B | 591.1K t |
| 2018 | $23.59B | 549.9K t |
| 2017 | $22.34B | 397.4K t |
Top precious metal scrap exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 21% of world exports, followed by Indonesia and Germany. The top three supply 39% between them, out of 170 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6.83B | 21% |
| Indonesia | $4.31B | 13% |
| Germany | $1.84B | 5.6% |
| United Kingdom | $1.82B | 5.5% |
| France | $1.50B | 4.5% |
| Belgium | $1.37B | 4.1% |
| Hong Kong | $1.10B | 3.3% |
| Singapore | $1.06B | 3.2% |
| Spain | $1.02B | 3.1% |
| Japan | $999.6M | 3% |
| Switzerland | $894.3M | 2.7% |
| Canada | $794.3M | 2.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Canada is the biggest buyer with 14% of world imports, ahead of Germany and Japan. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 38% across 122 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $4.67B | 14% |
| Germany | $4.08B | 12% |
| Japan | $3.82B | 12% |
| Switzerland | $3.48B | 11% |
| Italy | $3.12B | 9.4% |
| United States | $1.99B | 6% |
| Belgium | $1.86B | 5.6% |
| Hong Kong | $1.76B | 5.3% |
| Spain | $1.68B | 5.1% |
| United Kingdom | $1.35B | 4.1% |
| South Korea | $1.21B | 3.7% |
| Singapore | $1.11B | 3.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $113.77 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Hong Kong averaged $7,194.46 per kg and Germany $51.00 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 7112: Waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; other waste and scrap containing precious metal compounds, of a kind uses principally for the recovery of precious metal other than goods of heading 85.49. HS 7112 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most precious metal scrap?
The United States exported $6.83 billion in 2024, 21% of the world total, followed by Indonesia (13%) and Germany (6%). In all, 170 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most precious metal scrap?
Canada imported $4.67 billion in 2024, 14% of world imports, ahead of Germany (12%) and Japan (12%). The top three importers together take 38%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in precious metal scrap?
It was worth $33.21 billion in 2024, about 291.9 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 49% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $46.66 billion. 170 countries reported exports and 122 reported imports.
What is the average price of precious metal scrap per kg?
The world average declared value was about $113.77 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Hong Kong averaged $7,194.46 per kg and Germany $51.00 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 scrap?
The HS code for precious metal scrap is heading 7112, 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 7112 page.
How can I find precious metal 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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