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This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of iron and steel scrap exported from the United States to various countries and localities for the years 2022 and 2023. Tracking these exports is crucial for understanding the flow of recyclable materials that support global steel production, as scrap metal is a key raw material in electric arc furnace steelmaking. The data also reflect economic relationships and trade dynamics between the U.S. and its trading partners, highlighting the importance of scrap exports in the broader context of the domestic recycling industry and international steel markets.
Analysis of the data reveals a decline in total exports from 17.7 million metric tons valued at $7.67 billion in 2022 to 15.7 million metric tons valued at $6.77 billion in 2023. Turkey remained the largest importer, increasing its quantity from 3.41 million to 4.07 million metric tons and its value from $1.44 billion to $1.54 billion, indicating strong demand despite the overall downward trend. Mexico and India, two other major destinations, saw decreases in both quantity and value, with Mexico’s exports dropping from 3.56 million to 2.63 million metric tons and India’s from 1.91 million to 1.71 million metric tons. Notable shifts include Italy’s significant increase in quantity from 56,000 to 221,000 metric tons and value from $20.2 million to $89 million, suggesting emerging demand or changes in trade patterns. Conversely, countries like Egypt and Greece experienced sharp declines in exports. These trends underscore the dynamic nature of the global scrap market and the varying demand across regions.
| TABLE 9 | ||||||||
| U.S. EXPORTS OF IRON AND STEEL SCRAP, BY COUNTRY OR LOCALITY1, 2 | ||||||||
| (Thousand metric tons and thousand dollars) | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| Country or locality | Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | ||||
| Bangladesh | 1660 | 732000 | 1460 | 582000 | ||||
| Belgium | 25 | 18400 | 14 | 12200 | ||||
| Brazil | 5 | 3470 | 1 | 1100 | ||||
| Canada | 873 | 296000 | 792 | 280000 | ||||
| China | 136 | 68900 | 20 | 45400 | ||||
| Ecuador | 162 | 74600 | 104 | 42900 | ||||
| Egypt | 353 | 148000 | 7 | 2580 | ||||
| Finland | 2 | 6750 | 11 | 13100 | ||||
| Germany | 31 | 9930 | 11 | 7390 | ||||
| Greece | 311 | 140000 | 123 | 45000 | ||||
| Hong Kong | 17 | 18100 | 13 | 16200 | ||||
| India | 1910 | 1020000 | 1710 | 984000 | ||||
| Indonesia | 16 | 12400 | 53 | 7160 | ||||
| Italy | 56 | 20200 | 221 | 89000 | ||||
| Japan | 39 | 25900 | 33 | 17800 | ||||
| Korea, Republic of | 496 | 262000 | 366 | 172000 | ||||
| Malaysia | 555 | 231000 | 172 | 166000 | ||||
| Mexico | 3560 | 1120000 | 2630 | 898000 | ||||
| Netherlands | 5 | 9250 | 28 | 42500 | ||||
| Pakistan | 546 | 346000 | 439 | 302000 | ||||
| Peru | 661 | 276000 | 534 | 213000 | ||||
| Philippines | 26 | 27000 | 8 | 6760 | ||||
| Singapore | 6 | 4230 | 22 | 2760 | ||||
| Spain | 3 | 2970 | 7 | 1380 | ||||
| Sweden | 3 | 8740 | 4 | 12400 | ||||
| Switzerland | 33 | 20300 | 65 | 19900 | ||||
| Taiwan | 1280 | 537000 | 1350 | 539000 | ||||
| Thailand | 351 | 296000 | 429 | 305000 | ||||
| Turkey | 3410 | 1440000 | 4070 | 1540000 | ||||
| United Arab Emirates | 15 | r | 11400 | r | 10 | 8070 | ||
| United Kingdom | 4 | 3170 | r | 6 | 4110 | |||
| Vietnam | 859 | 380000 | 927 | 354000 | ||||
| Other3 | 251 | r | 102000 | r | 96 | 38500 | ||
| Total | 17700 | 7670000 | 15700 | 6770000 | ||||
rRevised.
1Table includes data available through January 16, 2025. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Export valuation is on a free-alongside-ship basis. Includes all materials under HTS Schedule B numbers 7204 as well as 7302.10.1080 and 8908.00.000.
3All countries and (or) localities supplying less than 1,000 metric tons of imports to the United States in either 2022 or 2023 included in “Other.” Includes 62 countries or localities.
4Less than ½ unit.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Iron and Steel Scrap statistics | Mineral commodity prices