Feb 18, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Iron Or Steel Stranded Wire, Ropes And Cables – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The UK steel stranded wire market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of +3.0% in volume and +3.4% in value from 2024 to 2035, reaching 105K tons and $359M respectively. Despite a recent uptick, the market has contracted sharply since its 2013 peak of 366K tons and $1.6B. In 2024, consumption was 76K tons ($248M), supported by imports of 53K tons, primarily from China. Domestic production has declined to 56K tons ($294M), while exports fell to 32K tons ($172M), with the US, Netherlands, and Norway as key destinations. China is the dominant import supplier, accounting for 40% of volume.
Key Findings
UK market forecast to grow at +3.0% CAGR in volume and +3.4% in value to 2035Market remains significantly below its 2013 peak in both volume and valueChina is the leading import source, supplying 40% of volume in 2024Export prices are significantly higher than import prices, indicating product differentiationDomestic production has declined sharply and is now below import and consumption levelsMarket Forecast
Driven by rising demand for steel stranded wire in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +3.0% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 105K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.4% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $359M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Iron Or Steel Stranded Wire, Ropes And Cables
In 2024, consumption of iron or steel stranded wire, ropes and cables increased by 12% to 76K tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. Overall, consumption, however, recorded a abrupt contraction. Steel stranded wire consumption peaked at 366K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
The revenue of the steel stranded wire market in the UK expanded to $248M in 2024, surging by 2.5% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed a abrupt decline. Steel stranded wire consumption peaked at $1.6B in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Iron Or Steel Stranded Wire, Ropes And Cables
Steel stranded wire production in the UK shrank to 56K tons in 2024, approximately mirroring the previous year’s figure. Overall, production saw a abrupt descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the production volume increased by 12% against the previous year. Steel stranded wire production peaked at 346K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, steel stranded wire production reduced to $294M in 2024 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2023 when the production volume increased by 14%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $1.7B in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Iron Or Steel Stranded Wire, Ropes And Cables
In 2024, steel stranded wire imports into the UK amounted to 53K tons, growing by 12% compared with the year before. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2023 with an increase of 32%. Imports peaked at 63K tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, steel stranded wire imports contracted to $127M in 2024. Overall, imports, however, showed a mild decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 25%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $157M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
Imports By Country
In 2024, China (21K tons) constituted the largest supplier of steel stranded wire to the UK, with a 40% share of total imports. Moreover, steel stranded wire imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, India (5.9K tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Portugal (5.4K tons), with a 10% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of volume from China amounted to +22.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: India (-2.6% per year) and Portugal (+1.2% per year).
In value terms, China ($35M) constituted the largest supplier of iron or steel stranded wire, ropes and cables to the UK, comprising 28% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by India ($15M), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany, with an 8.9% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value from China stood at +16.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: India (+1.4% per year) and Germany (-4.6% per year).
Import Prices By Country
The average steel stranded wire import price stood at $2,408 per ton in 2024, with a decrease of -12.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a slight decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when the average import price increased by 46% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $3,683 per ton. From 2023 to 2024, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($6,273 per ton), while the price for Egypt ($998 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+5.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Iron Or Steel Stranded Wire, Ropes And Cables
In 2024, overseas shipments of iron or steel stranded wire, ropes and cables decreased by -9% to 32K tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Overall, exports recorded a slight contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 54% against the previous year. The exports peaked at 42K tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, steel stranded wire exports fell to $172M in 2024. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 77% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $201M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
Exports By Country
The Netherlands (4.8K tons), Norway (4.4K tons) and the United States (3.1K tons) were the main destinations of steel stranded wire exports from the UK, with a combined 38% share of total exports. China, Canada, India, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Spain, France, Denmark and Iceland lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 37%.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by India (with a CAGR of +10.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the largest markets for steel stranded wire exported from the UK were the United States ($22M), the Netherlands ($18M) and Norway ($13M), together accounting for 31% of total exports. China, Canada, India, Germany, France, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Denmark and Iceland lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 39%.
India, with a CAGR of +11.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
The average steel stranded wire export price stood at $5,325 per ton in 2024, which is down by -3.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 15%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $5,534 per ton in 2023, and then fell slightly in the following year.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($7,145 per ton), while the average price for exports to Norway ($2,928 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to France (+4.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the steel stranded wire industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the steel stranded wire landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageProdcom 25931130 – Iron or steel stranded wire, ropes and cables (including stranded wires and wire ropes with or without attached fittings not electrically insulated) (excluding electrically insulated)Country coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links steel stranded wire demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of steel stranded wire dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the steel stranded wire market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.