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Global Light hot-rolled steel sheet Market 2026: world trade, top exporters and key figures

World exports of light hot-rolled steel sheet (HS 720853) reached $1.07 billion in 2024, 10% more than in 2019. China was the largest exporter with 15% of the world total, and Germany was the largest buyer.

+10% since 2019

World exports were 10% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($968.6 million), calculated from the annual totals

15% of world exports

China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 15% of world exports ($159.5 million)

33% of world exports

The three largest exporters, China, Slovakia and Belgium, shipped 33% of world exports in 2024

What this market covers

Plain hot-rolled flat steel sheet of light thickness, not in coils and without relief patterns.

Typical segments

  • Cut sheets
  • General fabrication sheet
  • Trailer sheet
  • Stamping sheet
ChartWorld exports of HS 720853, USD million
World exports of HS 720853, USD million05001,0001,5002,0002017: 931 USD million93120172018: 1,158 USD million20182019: 969 USD million20192020: 852 USD million20202021: 1,666 USD million20212022: 1,534 USD million20222023: 1,213 USD million20232024: 1,067 USD million1,0672024

Why this market is moving now

  • World trade grew 10% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.

Key figures

Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.

FigureValueYearCite
World exports of light hot-rolled steel sheet (HS 720853) were worth $1.07 billion in 2024.1.07 USD billion2024
World exports were 10% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($968.6 million), calculated from the annual totals.+10 % since 20192024
China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 15% of world exports ($159.5 million).15 % of world exports2024
The three largest exporters, China, Slovakia and Belgium, shipped 33% of world exports in 2024.33 % of world exports2024
Germany was the largest importer in 2024, buying $130.0 million, or 12% of world imports.12 % of world imports2024
43 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024.43 countries2024
The average world export price was about $0.80 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight.0.80 USD per kg2024
Countries exported 1.33 million tonnes of this product in 2024.1.33 million tonnes2024

Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.

Buyers and suppliers

Who buys

  • Fabricators
  • Trailer makers
  • Steel service centres

Largest exporting countries, 2024

  1. China159.5 USD million
  2. Slovakia102.7 USD million
  3. Belgium95.1 USD million
  4. Italy75.9 USD million
  5. Austria68.7 USD million
  6. Turkey57.3 USD million
  7. Netherlands55.9 USD million
  8. Germany53.4 USD million
  9. Poland43.7 USD million
  10. Sweden41.0 USD million

Largest importing countries, 2024

  1. Germany130.0 USD million
  2. France79.4 USD million
  3. Czech Republic78.8 USD million
  4. Hungary36.8 USD million
  5. Poland36.4 USD million
  6. Netherlands35.4 USD million
  7. Belgium30.4 USD million
  8. Denmark28.6 USD million
  9. United States27.5 USD million
  10. Austria25.7 USD million

What the full report covers

  1. 01Executive summary
    The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it
  2. 02Market definition and scope
    What is in and out of the global market
  3. 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
    Historical series and growth rates
  4. 04Countries and regions
    Demand, supply and trade by country and region
  5. 05Outlook to 2031
    Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions
  6. 06Rules, policy and deadlines
    Regulation and programmes that change demand
  7. 07Drivers and barriers
    What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment
  8. 08Prices, costs and margins
    Unit economics where public data allows
  9. 09Competitive landscape
    8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves
  10. 10Opportunities and risks
    For new entrants, suppliers and investors
  11. 11Method and assumptions
    How every figure was built

Included with the full report

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  • Excel data pack
  • Ready-to-use charts
  • Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions

How big is the global light hot-rolled steel sheet market?

There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 720853 reached $1.07 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.

Which countries export the most light hot-rolled steel sheet?

China led world exports in 2024 with 15% of the total, followed by Slovakia, Belgium and Italy.

Which countries import the most light hot-rolled steel sheet?

Germany was the largest importer in 2024, followed by France, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Is world trade in light hot-rolled steel sheet growing?

World exports were 10% higher in 2024 than in 2019.

What is the average export price of light hot-rolled steel sheet?

Dividing world export value by weight gives about $0.80 per kilogram in 2024.

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