What this market covers
Electrical and electronic waste and scrap used mainly for recovering precious metals.
Typical segments
- Circuit board scrap
- Contact scrap
- Processor scrap
- Mixed e-waste
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 33% from 2022 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Brazil is gaining ground: its exports rose 302% from 2022 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of electronic waste for metal recovery (HS 854929) were worth $1.12 billion in 2024. | 1.12 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 33% higher in 2024 than in 2022 ($838.4 million), calculated from the annual totals. | +33 % since 2022 | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest exporter in 2024, with 20% of world exports ($226.4 million). | 20 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, the United States, the Netherlands and Taiwan, shipped 45% of world exports in 2024. | 45 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Japan was the largest importer in 2024, buying $796.2 million, or 71% of world imports. | 71 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 61 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 61 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $4.19 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 4.19 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 266.5 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 266.5 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Brazil grew fastest, with exports up 302% from 2022 to 2024. | +302 % since 2022 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- E-waste recyclers
- Smelters
- Refiners
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global electronic waste for metal recovery market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 854929 reached $1.12 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most electronic waste for metal recovery?
The United States led world exports in 2024 with 20% of the total, followed by the Netherlands, Taiwan and Germany.
Which countries import the most electronic waste for metal recovery?
Japan was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Germany, Canada and the Netherlands.
Is world trade in electronic waste for metal recovery growing?
World exports were 33% higher in 2024 than in 2022.
What is the average export price of electronic waste for metal recovery?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $4.19 per kilogram in 2024.
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