United Kingdom: Expanded Metal Market 2024

Expanded Metal Market Size in the UK

The UK expanded metal market dropped slightly to $X in 2022, falling by -4.3% against the previous year. Overall, consumption, however, showed a noticeable downturn. Expanded metal consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Expanded Metal Production in the UK

In value terms, expanded metal production dropped to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a perceptible slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Expanded Metal Exports

Exports from the UK

In 2022, shipments abroad of iron or steel expanded metal decreased by -14.7% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. In general, exports saw a mild downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 32% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, expanded metal exports rose sharply to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total exports indicated slight growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +78.0% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 67%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The Czech Republic (X tons), Kuwait (X tons) and Ireland (X tons) were the main destinations of expanded metal exports from the UK, with a combined 70% share of total exports. France, Poland, Hong Kong SAR, South Africa, Finland, Sweden, Germany and Denmark lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 20%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by France (with a CAGR of +66.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for expanded metal exported from the UK were the Czech Republic ($X), Kuwait ($X) and Ireland ($X), together accounting for 56% of total exports. France, Finland, Poland, Hong Kong SAR, South Africa, Germany, Sweden and Denmark lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 28%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, France, with a CAGR of +64.9%, saw 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

The average expanded metal export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated noticeable growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, expanded metal export price increased by +57.7% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average export price increased by 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Kuwait ($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 Finland (+4.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Expanded Metal Imports

Imports into the UK

In 2022, the amount of iron or steel expanded metal imported into the UK dropped markedly to X tons, declining by -16.6% against the previous year. In general, imports saw a abrupt contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 62%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, expanded metal imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 121%. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Italy (X tons), China (X tons) and the United States (X tons) were the main suppliers of expanded metal imports to the UK, with a combined 77% share of total imports. Germany, the Czech Republic, Ireland and France lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 18%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for France (with a CAGR of +11.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, Italy ($X) constituted the largest supplier of iron or steel expanded metal to the UK, comprising 57% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by China, with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Italy stood at +8.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+2.7% per year) and China (-1.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average expanded metal import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, picking up by 51% against the previous year. In general, the import price enjoyed a prominent expansion. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the price for China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+15.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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