Australia: Metal Wool Market 2025

Metal Wool Market Size in Australia

In 2022, the Australian metal wool market increased by 42% to $X, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +66.6% against 2019 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Metal Wool Exports

Exports from Australia

Metal wool exports from Australia reduced to X tons in 2022, with a decrease of -4.5% against the year before. Overall, exports, however, saw a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 114%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, metal wool exports contracted to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw notable growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 54%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

New Zealand (X tons), Solomon Islands (X tons) and Papua New Guinea (X tons) were the main destinations of metal wool exports from Australia, together comprising 90% of total exports. The UK and Cambodia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 5.9%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the UK (with a CAGR of +18.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for metal wool exported from Australia were Papua New Guinea ($X), New Zealand ($X) and Solomon Islands ($X), with a combined 78% share of total exports. The UK and Cambodia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 11%.

Among the main countries of destination, the UK, with a CAGR of +54.2%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average metal wool export price amounted to $X per ton, approximately mirroring the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a pronounced shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 28%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2022, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Cambodia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Solomon Islands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the UK (+30.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Metal Wool Imports

Imports into Australia

In 2022, approx. X tons of iron or steel wool were imported into Australia; jumping by 33% on 2021. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, metal wool imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total imports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +73.7% against 2019 indices. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, China (X tons) constituted the largest metal wool supplier to Australia, with a 82% share of total imports. Moreover, metal wool imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Malaysia (X tons), eightfold. Vietnam (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 2.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from China totaled +1.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Malaysia (+17.3% per year) and Vietnam (0.0% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of iron or steel wool to Australia, comprising 82% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Malaysia ($X), with a 10% share of total imports. It was followed by Vietnam, with a 2.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from China amounted to +5.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Malaysia (+25.4% per year) and Vietnam (0.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average metal wool import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 4.4% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, metal wool import price increased by +35.1% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 29%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the highest price was recorded for prices from Vietnam ($X per ton) and Malaysia ($X per ton), while the price for China ($X per ton) and France ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Malaysia (+6.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :