Stainless steel ingots trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in stainless steel ingots was worth $4.76 billion in 2024, about 1.95 million tonnes. That is an increase of 87% since 2017, and down 10% 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 | $4.76B | 1.95M t |
| 2023 | $5.32B | 2.11M t |
| 2022 | $6.97B | 2.44M t |
| 2021 | $5.68B | 2.35M t |
| 2020 | $2.88B | 1.52M t |
| 2019 | $2.05B | 861.8K t |
| 2018 | $2.98B | 1.35M t |
| 2017 | $2.54B | 1.17M t |
Top stainless steel ingots exporting countries
Indonesia is the largest exporter with 53% of world exports, followed by the United Kingdom and Sweden. The top three supply 76% between them, out of 101 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $2.51B | 53% |
| United Kingdom | $846.2M | 18% |
| Sweden | $270.2M | 5.7% |
| Italy | $222.5M | 4.7% |
| Austria | $123.3M | 2.6% |
| Germany | $116.4M | 2.4% |
| Spain | $86.0M | 1.8% |
| France | $85.0M | 1.8% |
| United States | $67.5M | 1.4% |
| Belgium | $58.5M | 1.2% |
| India | $46.3M | 1% |
| Canada | $45.9M | 1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
India is the biggest buyer with 24% of world imports, ahead of China and Taiwan. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 53% across 177 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.12B | 24% |
| China | $859.3M | 18% |
| Taiwan | $562.4M | 12% |
| Belgium | $422.7M | 8.9% |
| Sweden | $309.1M | 6.5% |
| Italy | $269.2M | 5.7% |
| United States | $263.4M | 5.5% |
| France | $180.7M | 3.8% |
| Germany | $161.9M | 3.4% |
| Spain | $97.8M | 2.1% |
| Austria | $76.1M | 1.6% |
| Portugal | $62.0M | 1.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $2.44 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Spain averaged $6.87 per kg and Indonesia $1.92 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 7218: Stainless steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of stainless steel. HS 7218 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most stainless steel ingots?
Indonesia exported $2.51 billion in 2024, 53% of the world total, followed by the United Kingdom (18%) and Sweden (6%). In all, 101 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most stainless steel ingots?
India imported $1.12 billion in 2024, 24% of world imports, ahead of China (18%) and Taiwan (12%). The top three importers together take 53%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in stainless steel ingots?
It was worth $4.76 billion in 2024, about 1.95 million tonnes. That is an increase of 87% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $6.97 billion. 101 countries reported exports and 177 reported imports.
What is the average price of stainless steel ingots per kg?
The world average declared value was about $2.44 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Spain averaged $6.87 per kg and Indonesia $1.92 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 stainless steel ingots?
The HS code for stainless steel ingots is heading 7218, in chapter 72 (iron and steel). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 7218 page.
How can I find stainless steel ingots 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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