Iron and steel scrap exports from the DR Congo: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the DR Congo exported iron and steel scrap worth $9.3 million (15.3 thousand tonnes). Value fell 18% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 52% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9.3M | 15.3K t |
| 2023 | $11.4M | 24.3K t |
| 2022 | $11.5M | 22.7K t |
| 2021 | $5.1M | 16.3K t |
| 2020 | $4.4M | 13.9K t |
| 2019 | $6.0M | 19.3K t |
| 2018 | $9.5M | 29.6K t |
| 2017 | $494K | 1.6K t |
Where the DR Congo exports iron and steel scrap to
Uganda alone took 76% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $7.0M | 76% |
| India | $2.1M | 23% |
| South Africa | $57K | 0.6% |
| Germany | $33K | 0.4% |
| Zambia | $30K | 0.3% |
| Tanzania | $11K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 7204
| 7204.10 | Cast iron scrap | 36% |
| 7204.30 | Tinned steel scrap | 28% |
| 7204.21 | Stainless steel scrap | 19% |
| 7204.29 | Alloy steel scrap | 17% |
| 7204.49 | Other ferrous scrap | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7204.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.61 per kg, 39% above the world average of $0.44. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in the DR Congo?
The shipment records behind DR Congo iron and steel scrap exports (HS 7204): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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: Ferrous waste and scrap; remelting scrap ingots of iron or steel.
Common questions
What is the value of iron and steel scrap exported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo exported iron and steel scrap worth $9.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 114th of 206 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 18% on 2023.
Which countries buy iron and steel scrap from the DR Congo?
Uganda was the largest buyer with 76% of the value ($7.0 million), followed by India (23%) and South Africa (1%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 6 buyer countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 84% on the year.
What is the average export price of iron and steel scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.61 per kg in 2024, 39% above the world average of $0.44 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of iron and steel scrap from the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Exports went from $494 thousand in 2017 to $9.3 million in 2024. The peak was 2022 at $11.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for iron and steel scrap?
The HS code for iron and steel scrap is heading 7204. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 7204.10 (36% of the value) and 7204.30 (28%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds the DR Congo trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World iron and steel scrap trade: top importers and exporters
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