Ireland: Metal Wool Market 2025

Metal Wool Market Size in Ireland

The Irish metal wool market dropped to $X in 2022, declining by -11.8% against the previous year. Overall, consumption recorded a abrupt contraction. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Metal Wool Production in Ireland

In value terms, metal wool production amounted to less than $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a relatively flat trend pattern.

Metal Wool Exports

Exports from Ireland

In 2022, shipments abroad of iron or steel wool decreased by 0% to X tons, falling for the fourth year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, exports recorded a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 259%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, metal wool exports totaled $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 391% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Norway (X tons), Spain (X tons) and the UK (X tons) were the main destinations of metal wool exports from Ireland, together accounting for 99.9% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Spain (with a CAGR of +33.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Norway ($X), the UK ($X) and Spain ($X) were the largest markets for metal wool exported from Ireland worldwide, together accounting for 99% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Spain, with a CAGR of +23.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of 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, flattening at the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a precipitous slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average export price increased by 37%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

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 the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Norway ($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 Spain (-7.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Metal Wool Imports

Imports into Ireland

In 2022, overseas purchases of iron or steel wool decreased by 0% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, imports showed a deep reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, metal wool imports amounted to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a perceptible setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 39% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, China (X tons) constituted the largest metal wool supplier to Ireland, with a 40% share of total imports. Moreover, metal wool imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, South Africa (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Spain (X tons), with a 19% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from China stood at -6.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Africa (+54.7% per year) and Spain (+83.1% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of iron or steel wool to Ireland, comprising 48% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Spain ($X), with a 23% share of total imports. It was followed by Portugal, with a 6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from China stood at +1.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Spain (+96.1% per year) and Portugal (+169.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average metal wool import price amounted to $X per ton, approximately reflecting the previous year. In general, the import price posted a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 37%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the price for South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+8.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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