Steel drums trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in steel drums was worth $7.24 billion in 2024, about 1.92 million tonnes. That is an increase of 15% since 2017, and down 4% 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 | $7.24B | 1.92M t |
| 2023 | $7.51B | 1.82M t |
| 2022 | $8.16B | 2.04M t |
| 2021 | $7.25B | 2.06M t |
| 2020 | $6.15B | 1.93M t |
| 2019 | $6.52B | 1.99M t |
| 2018 | $6.81B | 2.05M t |
| 2017 | $6.27B | 1.91M t |
Top steel drums exporting countries
Exports are led by China (16%), Germany (9%) and the United States (8%). 189 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 33%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.18B | 16% |
| Germany | $629.4M | 8.7% |
| United States | $591.3M | 8.2% |
| Italy | $523.3M | 7.2% |
| Spain | $393.9M | 5.4% |
| Netherlands | $351.6M | 4.9% |
| France | $270.6M | 3.7% |
| Turkey | $250.0M | 3.5% |
| United Kingdom | $243.0M | 3.4% |
| Poland | $237.7M | 3.3% |
| South Korea | $161.8M | 2.2% |
| Czech Republic | $160.7M | 2.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are France (8%), Germany (8%) and the United States (7%). 221 countries imported it, and the top three take 23% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $592.3M | 8.2% |
| Germany | $582.4M | 8.1% |
| United States | $482.9M | 6.7% |
| Netherlands | $410.4M | 5.7% |
| Belgium | $399.7M | 5.5% |
| Canada | $359.0M | 5% |
| United Kingdom | $314.7M | 4.4% |
| Poland | $208.2M | 2.9% |
| South Korea | $199.7M | 2.8% |
| Mexico | $193.5M | 2.7% |
| Spain | $176.8M | 2.4% |
| Switzerland | $152.8M | 2.1% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.78 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $5.25 per kg and Turkey $3.22 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 7310: Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated. HS 7310 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most steel drums?
China exported $1.18 billion in 2024, 16% of the world total, followed by Germany (9%) and the United States (8%). In all, 189 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most steel drums?
France imported $592.3 million in 2024, 8% of world imports, ahead of Germany (8%) and the United States (7%). The top three importers together take 23%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in steel drums?
It was worth $7.24 billion in 2024, about 1.92 million tonnes. That is an increase of 15% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $8.16 billion. 189 countries reported exports and 221 reported imports.
What is the average price of steel drums per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.78 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $5.25 per kg and Turkey $3.22 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 steel drums?
The HS code for steel drums is heading 7310, in chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 7310 page.
How can I find steel drums 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.
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.