Metal files imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of metal files by the United Kingdom reached $9.6 million in 2024 (688 tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 215 countries. That is 24% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9.6M | 688 t |
| 2023 | $7.8M | 579 t |
| 2022 | $7.4M | 647 t |
| 2021 | $10.1M | 988 t |
| 2020 | $7.6M | 593 t |
| 2019 | $7.7M | 628 t |
| 2018 | $8.4M | 673 t |
| 2017 | $8.5M | 594 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports metal files from
The largest suppliers were China (31%), Netherlands (20%), Colombia (10%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+717% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.0M | 31% |
| Netherlands | $1.9M | 20% |
| Colombia | $1.0M | 11% |
| Germany | $842K | 8.8% |
| United States | $516K | 5.4% |
| Switzerland | $465K | 4.8% |
| Portugal | $428K | 4.5% |
| Ireland | $413K | 4.3% |
| Italy | $240K | 2.5% |
| Taiwan | $124K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $13.95 per kg, 36% above the world average of $10.29. 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.
Metal files exports from the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported metal files worth $4.4 million (173 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were United States (19%), Belgium (12%), United Arab Emirates (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 39%. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $836K | 19% |
| Belgium | $547K | 12% |
| United Arab Emirates | $325K | 7.3% |
| China | $248K | 5.6% |
| South Korea | $229K | 5.2% |
| France | $219K | 5% |
| Ireland | $217K | 4.9% |
| Australia | $214K | 4.8% |
| Poland | $165K | 3.7% |
| Norway | $141K | 3.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom metal files imports (HS 8203.10): 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 8203.10: Tools, hand: files, rasps and similar tools.
Common questions
What is the value of metal files imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported metal files worth $9.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 688 tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 215 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was up 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal files to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by the Netherlands (20%) and Colombia (10%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 46 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 717% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal files per kg?
The average declared import value was about $13.95 per kg in 2024, 36% above the world average of $10.29 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of metal files to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.5 million in 2017 to $9.6 million in 2024, an increase of 13%. The peak was 2021 at $10.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.4 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export metal files?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $4.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $5.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal files?
The HS code for metal files is subheading 8203.10. It sits in HS chapter 82 (tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8203 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, 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
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