What this market covers
Semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel with a higher carbon content.
Typical segments
- High carbon billets
- High carbon blooms
- High carbon slabs
- Spring steel feed
Why this market is moving now
- World trade shrank 3% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Ukraine is gaining ground: its exports rose 56% from 2019 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 high carbon steel semi-finished product (HS 720720) were worth $4.89 billion in 2024. | 4.89 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 3% lower in 2024 than in 2019 ($5.03 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | -3 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 20% of world exports ($954.4 million). | 20 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, China, Indonesia and Russia, shipped 43% of world exports in 2024. | 43 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The Philippines was the largest importer in 2024, buying $735.7 million, or 15% of world imports. | 15 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 54 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 54 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $0.63 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 0.63 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 7.76 million tonnes of this product in 2024. | 7.76 million tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Ukraine grew fastest, with exports up 56% from 2019 to 2024. | +56 % since 2019 | 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
- Spring makers
- Wire makers
- Rolling mills
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 high carbon steel semi-finished product market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 720720 reached $4.89 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most high carbon steel semi-finished product?
China led world exports in 2024 with 20% of the total, followed by Indonesia, Russia and Japan.
Which countries import the most high carbon steel semi-finished product?
The Philippines was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Taiwan, Indonesia and Egypt.
Is world trade in high carbon steel semi-finished product growing?
World exports were 3% lower in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of high carbon steel semi-finished product?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $0.63 per kilogram in 2024.
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