Iron and steel scrap exports from Nigeria: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, Nigeria exported iron and steel scrap worth $12.1 million (11.7 thousand tonnes). Value fell 15% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $12.1M | 11.7K t |
| 2023 | $14.2M | 13.2K t |
| 2022 | $13.0M | 7.8K t |
| 2021 | $6.7M | 4.5K t |
| 2020 | $3.7M | 3.5K t |
| 2019 | $5.8M | 5.5K t |
| 2018 | $6.5M | 5.7K t |
| 2017 | $5.8M | 5.0K t |
Where Nigeria exports iron and steel scrap to
Netherlands alone took 59% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+179% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $7.1M | 59% |
| India | $3.6M | 30% |
| Germany | $954K | 7.9% |
| China | $271K | 2.2% |
| Thailand | $108K | 0.9% |
| Spain | $33K | 0.3% |
| Hong Kong | $26K | 0.2% |
| Niger | $21K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $4K | 0% |
| Benin | $3K | 0% |
Product types under HS 7204
| 7204.21 | Stainless steel scrap | 93% |
| 7204.10 | Cast iron scrap | 2.7% |
| 7204.49 | Other ferrous scrap | 2.1% |
| 7204.29 | Alloy steel scrap | 1.8% |
| 7204.30 | Tinned steel scrap | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7204.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.03 per kg, 134% 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.
Iron and steel scrap imports to Nigeria
Nigeria imported $554 thousand of iron and steel scrap in 2024 (1.5 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from United States (46%), China (15%), Niger (12%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $256K | 46% |
| China | $85K | 15% |
| Niger | $68K | 12% |
| Namibia | $44K | 7.9% |
| Singapore | $39K | 7% |
| Australia | $26K | 4.8% |
| Italy | $25K | 4.5% |
| Thailand | $4K | 0.8% |
| Switzerland | $3K | 0.5% |
| Cameroon | $2K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in Nigeria?
The shipment records behind Nigeria iron and steel scrap exports (HS 7204): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 Nigeria?
Nigeria exported iron and steel scrap worth $12.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 11.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 106th of 206 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 15% on 2023.
Which countries buy iron and steel scrap from Nigeria?
The Netherlands was the largest buyer with 59% of the value ($7.1 million), followed by India (30%) and Germany (8%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 12 buyer countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 179% on the year.
What is the average export price of iron and steel scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.03 per kg in 2024, 134% above the world average of $0.44 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of iron and steel scrap from Nigeria changed since 2017?
Exports went from $5.8 million in 2017 to $12.1 million in 2024, an increase of 107%. The peak was 2023 at $14.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.5 million a year.
Does Nigeria also import iron and steel scrap?
Yes. Nigeria imported $554 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, China and Niger. On balance Nigeria is a net exporter of this product, by about $11.5 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 Nigeria the largest six-digit codes were 7204.21 (93% of the value) and 7204.10 (3%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Nigeria, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. 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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