Stainless steel scrap trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in stainless steel scrap was worth $7.85 billion in 2024, about 5.58 million tonnes. That is an increase of 14% since 2017, and down 7% 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 | $7.85B | 5.58M t |
| 2023 | $8.43B | 5.58M t |
| 2022 | $10.30B | 5.81M t |
| 2021 | $10.00B | 6.76M t |
| 2020 | $6.17B | 5.90M t |
| 2019 | $7.01B | 6.56M t |
| 2018 | $7.79B | 6.62M t |
| 2017 | $6.89B | 5.92M t |
Top stainless steel scrap exporting countries
Exports are led by Germany (21%), the Netherlands (11%) and the United States (7%). 177 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 39%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.63B | 21% |
| Netherlands | $869.6M | 11% |
| United States | $580.1M | 7.4% |
| France | $381.1M | 4.9% |
| Japan | $298.4M | 3.8% |
| Thailand | $286.9M | 3.7% |
| Turkey | $250.3M | 3.2% |
| Poland | $230.9M | 2.9% |
| Canada | $215.6M | 2.8% |
| Malaysia | $203.2M | 2.6% |
| Mexico | $178.8M | 2.3% |
| South Korea | $177.7M | 2.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are India (20%), Belgium (17%) and Finland (13%). 128 countries imported it, and the top three take 50% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.58B | 20% |
| Belgium | $1.32B | 17% |
| Finland | $1.04B | 13% |
| Italy | $653.1M | 8.3% |
| Netherlands | $481.2M | 6.1% |
| South Korea | $434.3M | 5.5% |
| Germany | $385.2M | 4.9% |
| Taiwan | $284.2M | 3.6% |
| United States | $261.5M | 3.3% |
| Spain | $253.6M | 3.2% |
| Slovenia | $143.8M | 1.8% |
| Sweden | $137.0M | 1.8% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.41 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Netherlands averaged $1.66 per kg and Japan $1.16 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 Stainless steel scrap (HS 7204.21) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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 7204.21: Ferrous waste and scrap: of stainless steel. HS 7204 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most stainless steel scrap?
Germany exported $1.63 billion in 2024, 21% of the world total, followed by the Netherlands (11%) and the United States (7%). In all, 177 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most stainless steel scrap?
India imported $1.58 billion in 2024, 20% of world imports, ahead of Belgium (17%) and Finland (13%). The top three importers together take 50%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in stainless steel scrap?
It was worth $7.85 billion in 2024, about 5.58 million tonnes. That is an increase of 14% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $10.30 billion. 177 countries reported exports and 128 reported imports.
What is the average price of stainless steel scrap per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.41 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Netherlands averaged $1.66 per kg and Japan $1.16 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 stainless steel scrap?
The HS code for stainless steel scrap is subheading 7204.21, 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 stainless steel scrap buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of stainless steel scrap by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.