Key Highlights

• Total global scrap import business amounted to $21.22 billion during 2024-2025.

• The HS codes for top import items in scrap trade include 7204, 7404, 7602, 3915, and 4004.

• India topped the scrap import list with imports worth $12.74 billion during 2024-2025.

• The United States leads the scrap trading business with $5.57 billion worth of exports.

• Indicaa Group Ltd leads the scrap import and export business with contributions of 5.79% and 4.49% in both trades, respectively.
  
  

Global Scrap Import Market

Fast-paced, convenience-driven modern lifestyles with constant upgrades lead to the generation of millions of waste each year. The initiative of turning this waste into recycled products has created a market for scrap trade that drives economic growth and environmental sustainability for nations across the globe.

The scrap trading business plays a critical role in driving sustainability and efficient use of resources across sectors. From plastic bottles to aluminum cans, glass jars, paper, cardboard, steel cans, and electronic devices, etc., there is a long list of items that are recycled into fully furnished products that are used across various industries. People's increasing concerns towards sustainability and recycled products have increased the market for scrap trading and recycling of scraps. The process is backed by advanced infrastructure and a stable supply chain for the recycling business.

Along with consumers, even businesses are focusing on sustainability and increased efficiency. Brands including Adidas, Patagonia, Levi's, IKEA, HP, Reliance, Ecoright, and Wildcraft use recycled and upcycled materials to create their products. Additionally, brands including Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestlé, and Anomaly used recycled plastic materials for product packaging. These brands promote sustainability in their product packaging and through brand campaigns.

Countries Fueling Scrap Import Business

Scrap imports are driven by various elements that differ nation-wise and depend on their growth phase. The scrap import drivers include sustainability goals, booming industrialization, cost-efficient raw materials, trade-friendly policies, and a reduce-reuse-and-recycle mindset. As per scrap import data, India leads the scrap import list with imports worth $12.7 billion; next is Vietnam with scrap imports worth $3.0 billion. Next in line are Bangladesh and the UAE; they compete with a close competitive contribution of $2.0 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively. Mexico is next in line with a close competitive contribution of $1.7 billion worth of scrap imports.

Countries Driving Scrap Trade

Scrap is generated in billions across the globe due to industrialization, construction, and huge consumer waste. The nations with excess scrap recycle and export the surplus for sustainability and monetization. The United States leads the scrap exporters list with $5.6 billion worth of scrap trade. Then follow the UAE and Singapore. They have a competitive contribution of $4.0 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively. Poland exports $2.6 billion worth of scrap. Then Japan follows with a contribution of $1.9 billion worth of scrap trade. The nation's goal for environmental safety and economic growth and development drives the scrap trade.

Top Scrap Importers In the World

 

The companies engaging in scrap import services deal in scrap trading to reuse it as efficient raw material for producing finished products, reduce production costs, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable production. Indicaa Group Ltd. is a Dubai-based company known globally for containerized scrap metal trade. It tops the list with a substantial contribution of 5.79%. Next is Ye Chiu Non Ferrous Metal M Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian firm contributing 2.15%. Vina Kyoei Steel Co., Ltd., and Vina Kyoei Steel Co., Ltd., are in close competition, with contributions of 1.84% and 1.80%, respectively. JSC Dekhkanabad Potassium Plant contributes 1.73% to the global scrap imports.

Global Companies Driving Scrap Trade

 

The companies driving scrap trade focus on leveraging the strong recycle network to monetize domestic scrap. Indicaa Group Ltd. leads the scrap import and export list. It contributes 4.49% of the global scrap trade. America Metal Export Inc. and Radius Recycling Inc. follow with a close competition with 2.46% and 2.00% export share. Mitsui And Coasia Pacific Pte Ltd, the Singapore-based firm, ranks fourth with a contribution of 1.79%, while Al Qaryan Group For Trading Industry & Contracting, the UAE-based firm next in line, contributes 1.49%.

Insights Into Copper Scrap Import And Market Demand

Copper scrap import is the most in-demand global market. High recycle value and its crucial role in electrical, construction, and industrial usage are the key drivers. During 2024-2025, global copper imports amounted to $3.55 billion. India, Mexico, Vietnam, Uganda, and Kenya are among the top five copper scrap importers. Their compiled copper scrap import amounted to $3.30 billion. India-based Bhagyanagar Copper Private Limited (BCPL) is the top global copper scrap importer.

The United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Mexico are among the top global copper scrap exporters. Their compiled copper scrap exports amounted to $2.00 billion during 2024-2025. The UAE-based Al Qaryan Group For Trading Industry & Contracting is the top global partner for copper scrap import.

Classification And Uses of Scrap

Scrap materials are segregated based on their composition and usage. The HS code classification ensures smooth regulatory compliance. Here is the description, industrial use, and HS code classification for scrap trading.

 

In A Nutshell

The global scrap import market has been growing substantially. Industrialization, inclination towards environmental awareness, and the push towards circular economies are the key drivers of the global scrap import market. Recycled materials like ferrous and nonferrous metal, plastic, paper, and e-waste do so much to reduce reliance on virgin resources, save energy, and lessen the environmental toll. "It's not people like me in Britain buying stuff cheap and throwing it out; it's industry that's full of factories in Asia," he said, noting how developing countries such as India have become key importers of scrap they are using to underpin their steel, automotive, construction, and manufacturing sectors with low production costs.

Developing countries, mainly India, are optimizing industries and focusing on sustainable growth through the scrap import business. You can import varied types of scrap and trade in the circular economy. Start with building a supply network of sellers from countries like the US, the UAE, Singapore, Poland, and Japan. Use the Ex-Im application to track sellers, shortlist, and connect to verified scrap exporters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the biggest scrap dealer in the world?
The Dubai-based firm Indicaa Group Limited is the biggest scrap dealer across the globe. While the United States and India are the biggest top-ranked in scrap trade. The US is the biggest scrap exporter, and India is the biggest scrap importer.

2. Who is the biggest scrap importer in India?
Jindal Stainless Limited is the biggest scrap importer in India, followed by Viraj Profiles Limited, CMR Green Technologies Limited, Sunalco Alloys Private Limited, and Bhagyanagar Copper Private Limited, while Bhagyanagar tops the global copper scrap importer list.

3. What is the most wanted scrap metal?
Copper is the most wanted scrap metal due to its high value and varied usage in applications like plumbing and electrical wiring. Its high recycle value and conductivity feature also play key roles in the demand. Iron and steel scrap are next in line for the most in-demand metals due to their widespread use in construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

4. Which scrap is exported from India?
India majorly deals in the import of metal scrap. The Indian scrap exports include copper, plastic, iron, and steel. The total export of these scrap metals amounted to $252.9 million during 2024-2025.

5. How to Start a Successful Scrap Trading Business?
To start a scrap import business, start by arranging the required documents and license, including compliance with safety and environmental standards. IEC registration, PSIC, BIS certification, and customs clearance. Leverage Ex-Im trade data to track and reach out to verified traders.

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