Steel drum exports from the United Arab Emirates: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of steel drum by the United Arab Emirates reached $12.5 million in 2024 (7.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 31% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $84.4 million.
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 | $12.5M | 7.2K t |
| 2023 | $18.0M | 4.7K t |
| 2022 | $23.4M | 7.2K t |
| 2021 | $20.1M | 9.0K t |
| 2020 | $39.7M | 20.6K t |
| 2019 | $84.4M | 42.1K t |
| 2018 | $16.3M | 7.8K t |
| 2017 | $10.6M | 5.6K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates exports steel drum to
Most of it went to Saudi Arabia (44%), Netherlands (21%), Sri Lanka (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Qatar grew fastest (+330% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $5.5M | 44% |
| Netherlands | $2.7M | 21% |
| Sri Lanka | $1.3M | 11% |
| Kuwait | $1.1M | 8.9% |
| Qatar | $605K | 4.9% |
| Bahrain | $338K | 2.7% |
| Austria | $289K | 2.3% |
| Egypt | $100K | 0.8% |
| Central African Republic | $87K | 0.7% |
| Senegal | $82K | 0.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.72 per kg, 51% below the world average of $3.53, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Steel drum imports to the United Arab Emirates
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported steel drum worth $7.9 million (2.3 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (40%), Turkey (20%), Italy (13%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+197% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.1M | 40% |
| Turkey | $1.6M | 20% |
| Italy | $1.0M | 13% |
| United States | $425K | 5.4% |
| United Kingdom | $370K | 4.7% |
| India | $350K | 4.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $220K | 2.8% |
| France | $169K | 2.1% |
| Egypt | $101K | 1.3% |
| Germany | $88K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates steel drum exports (HS 7310.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 7310.10: Tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), 50l or more capacity but not exceeding 300l.
Common questions
What is the value of steel drum exported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates exported steel drum worth $12.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 155 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 31% on 2023.
Which countries buy steel drum from the United Arab Emirates?
Saudi Arabia was the largest buyer with 44% of the value ($5.5 million), followed by the Netherlands (21%) and Sri Lanka (11%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 45 buyer countries in total. The Central African Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 443% on the year.
What is the average export price of steel drum per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.72 per kg in 2024, 51% below the world average of $3.53 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of steel drum from the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.6 million in 2017 to $12.5 million in 2024, an increase of 18%. The peak was 2019 at $84.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $28.1 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also import steel drum?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates imported $7.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Turkey and Italy. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel drum?
The HS code for steel drum is subheading 7310.10. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7310 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds the United Arab Emirates 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.
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