Precious metal ash and scrap imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $129.6 million of precious metal ash and scrap in 2024 (469 tonnes). It ranks 4th of 48 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 7% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 15% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $1.56 billion.
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 | $129.6M | 469 t |
| 2023 | $120.9M | 310 t |
| 2022 | $706.4M | 411 t |
| 2021 | $1.56B | 275 t |
| 2020 | $310.3M | 368 t |
| 2019 | $1.08B | 504 t |
| 2018 | $216.8M | 786 t |
| 2017 | $408.8M | 1.2K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports precious metal ash and scrap from
The largest suppliers were Italy (27%), Singapore (21%), Spain (17%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $34.6M | 27% |
| Singapore | $27.8M | 22% |
| Spain | $22.5M | 17% |
| Taiwan | $14.7M | 11% |
| Germany | $12.1M | 9.3% |
| Netherlands | $8.0M | 6.2% |
| India | $5.3M | 4.1% |
| Austria | $1.9M | 1.5% |
| Belgium | $926K | 0.7% |
| United States | $585K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $276.14 per kg, 356% above the world average of $60.58. 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.
Precious metal ash and scrap exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of precious metal ash and scrap by the United Kingdom reached $25.7 million in 2024 (100 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. Germany alone took 56% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $14.3M | 56% |
| Italy | $7.8M | 30% |
| Switzerland | $3.0M | 12% |
| Spain | $448K | 1.8% |
| United States | $52K | 0.2% |
| Hong Kong | $49K | 0.2% |
| Norway | $23K | 0.1% |
| Qatar | $12K | 0% |
| Macao | $9K | 0% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom precious metal ash and scrap imports (HS 7112.30): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 7112.30: Waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal: ash containing precious metal or precious metal compounds.
Common questions
What is the value of precious metal ash and scrap imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported precious metal ash and scrap worth $129.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 469 tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 48 countries worldwide, with 8% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply precious metal ash and scrap to the United Kingdom?
Italy was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($34.6 million), followed by Singapore (21%) and Spain (17%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 20 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of precious metal ash and scrap per kg?
The average declared import value was about $276.14 per kg in 2024, 356% above the world average of $60.58 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of precious metal ash and scrap to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $408.8 million in 2017 to $129.6 million in 2024, a fall of 68%. The peak was 2021 at $1.56 billion. Over 8 years the average was $566.3 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export precious metal ash and scrap?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $25.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Italy and Switzerland. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $103.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for precious metal ash and scrap?
The HS code for precious metal ash and scrap is subheading 7112.30. 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?
Shipment-level records for the United Kingdom 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 precious metal ash and scrap trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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