Iron and steel scrap imports in Uganda: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of iron and steel scrap by Uganda reached $66.7 million in 2024 (123.7 thousand tonnes). Value fell 8% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 290% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $66.7M | 123.7K t |
| 2023 | $72.5M | 138.8K t |
| 2022 | $61.2M | 120.5K t |
| 2021 | $40.5M | 127.3K t |
| 2020 | $38.0M | 135.5K t |
| 2019 | $18.9M | 65.0K t |
| 2018 | $15.2M | 52.2K t |
| 2017 | $5K | 9 t |
Where Uganda imports iron and steel scrap from
The largest suppliers were South Sudan (33%), Kenya (31%), United Kingdom (16%). Among the main suppliers, Malawi grew fastest (+116% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Sudan | $21.9M | 33% |
| Kenya | $20.7M | 31% |
| United Kingdom | $10.5M | 16% |
| DR Congo | $7.0M | 11% |
| Belgium | $2.6M | 3.9% |
| Malawi | $2.2M | 3.3% |
| Burundi | $473K | 0.7% |
| South Africa | $399K | 0.6% |
| Tanzania | $283K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $192K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 7204
| 7204.30 | Tinned steel scrap | 70% |
| 7204.41 | Steel turnings and chips | 18% |
| 7204.10 | Cast iron scrap | 7.8% |
| 7204.29 | Alloy steel scrap | 2.5% |
| 7204.49 | Other ferrous scrap | 1.1% |
| 7204.21 | Stainless steel scrap | 0.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7204.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.54 per kg, 23% 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 Uganda?
The shipment records behind Uganda iron and steel scrap imports (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 imported by Uganda?
Uganda imported iron and steel scrap worth $66.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 123.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 171 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply iron and steel scrap to Uganda?
South Sudan was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($21.9 million), followed by Kenya (31%) and the United Kingdom (16%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 116% on the year.
What is the average import price of iron and steel scrap per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.54 per kg in 2024, 23% 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 imports of iron and steel scrap to Uganda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5 thousand in 2017 to $66.7 million in 2024. The peak was 2023 at $72.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $39.1 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 Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 7204.30 (70% of the value) and 7204.41 (18%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for Uganda reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World iron and steel scrap trade: top importers and exporters
Iron and steel scrap product types in Uganda
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