Gold scrap and waste exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of gold scrap and waste by the United Kingdom reached $975.9 million in 2024 (24 tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 114 countries. Value rose 28% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $975.9M | 24 t |
| 2023 | $760.3M | 27 t |
| 2022 | $691.1M | 28 t |
| 2021 | $293.5M | 18 t |
| 2020 | $385.2M | 379 t |
| 2019 | $456.0M | 94 t |
| 2018 | $447.3M | 29 t |
| 2017 | $441.1M | 48 t |
Where the United Kingdom exports gold scrap and waste to
Spain alone took 91% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+134% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $886.7M | 91% |
| Germany | $51.7M | 5.3% |
| Italy | $18.8M | 1.9% |
| France | $8.4M | 0.9% |
| Singapore | $4.2M | 0.4% |
| Switzerland | $4.0M | 0.4% |
| Belgium | $1.5M | 0.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $304K | 0% |
| United States | $194K | 0% |
| Czech Republic | $89K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $39,994.73 per kg, 242% above the world average of $11,700.01. 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.
Gold scrap and waste imports to the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported gold scrap and waste worth $42.0 million (22 tonnes). Most of the value came from Cyprus (25%), Denmark (17%), United Arab Emirates (14%). Among the main suppliers, Vietnam grew fastest (+185% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus | $10.3M | 25% |
| Denmark | $7.1M | 17% |
| United Arab Emirates | $6.0M | 14% |
| Thailand | $5.9M | 14% |
| Austria | $3.2M | 7.5% |
| Ireland | $2.7M | 6.6% |
| United States | $2.2M | 5.3% |
| Vietnam | $1.8M | 4.3% |
| Germany | $783K | 1.9% |
| Spain | $761K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom gold scrap and waste exports (HS 7112.91): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 7112.91: Waste and scrap of precious metals: of gold, including metal clad with gold but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals.
Common questions
What is the value of gold scrap and waste exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported gold scrap and waste worth $975.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 24 tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 114 countries worldwide, with 6% of world exports. The value was up 28% on 2023.
Which countries buy gold scrap and waste from the United Kingdom?
Spain was the largest buyer with 91% of the value ($886.7 million), followed by Germany (5%) and Italy (2%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 23 buyer countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 897% on the year.
What is the average export price of gold scrap and waste per kg?
The average declared export value was about $39,994.73 per kg in 2024, 242% above the world average of $11,700.01 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of gold scrap and waste from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $441.1 million in 2017 to $975.9 million in 2024, an increase of 121%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $556.3 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import gold scrap and waste?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $42.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Cyprus, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates. On balance the United Kingdom is a net exporter of this product, by about $933.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for gold scrap and waste?
The HS code for gold scrap and waste is subheading 7112.91. It sits in HS chapter 71 (natural, cultured pearls; precious, semi-precious stones; precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7112 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World gold scrap and waste trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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.