Feb 26, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Iron Or Steel Expanded Metal – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The UK’s expanded metal market saw a significant contraction in 2024, with consumption falling to 9.5K tons and market value dropping to $19M. However, a decade-long recovery is forecast, with volume and value projected to reach 12K tons and $25M by 2035, driven by rising demand. The UK remains a net exporter, with production stable at 19K tons and exports surging to 11K tons in 2024. Imports, though small, grew sharply in value to $10M, led by high-value Italian products. Key trade dynamics show stark price differences between import sources and export destinations.
Key Findings
Market forecast to grow at a 2.3% CAGR, reaching $25M by 2035 after a sharp 2024 declineUK is a major net exporter, with 2024 exports of 11K tons far exceeding imports of 1.5K tonsItaly dominates import value at 70%, while China leads import volume at 446 tonsAverage import price ($6,766/ton) is over three times higher than average export price ($2,033/ton)Kuwait, the Czech Republic, and Ireland are the top export destinations by valueMarket Forecast
Driven by rising demand for expanded metal 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 +2.1% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 12K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.3% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $25M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Iron Or Steel Expanded Metal
In 2024, consumption of iron or steel expanded metal decreased by -19.1% to 9.5K tons, falling for the fifth consecutive year after five years of growth. In general, consumption continues to indicate a pronounced decline. As a result, consumption reached the peak volume of 17K tons. From 2020 to 2024, the growth of the consumption remained at a somewhat lower figure.
The value of the expanded metal market in the UK fell significantly to $19M in 2024, with a decrease of -26.3% 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 saw a mild shrinkage. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $33M. From 2020 to 2024, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Iron Or Steel Expanded Metal
In 2024, approx. 19K tons of iron or steel expanded metal were produced in the UK; remaining stable against the year before. Over the period under review, production, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 30% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak volume of 22K tons. From 2020 to 2024, production growth remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, expanded metal production reduced to $38M in 2024 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a modest expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 26% against the previous year. Expanded metal production peaked at $45M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Iron Or Steel Expanded Metal
After two years of decline, overseas purchases of iron or steel expanded metal increased by 38% to 1.5K tons in 2024. Overall, imports, however, showed a abrupt slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 64% against the previous year. Imports peaked at 4.2K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, expanded metal imports skyrocketed to $10M in 2024. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a mild expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 123%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2024 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.
Imports By Country
Italy (788 tons), China (446 tons) and the United States (136 tons) were the main suppliers of expanded metal imports to the UK, with a combined 91% share of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +2.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline.
In value terms, Italy ($7.1M) constituted the largest supplier of iron or steel expanded metal to the UK, comprising 70% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by China ($773K), with a 7.6% share of total imports. It was followed by the United States, with a 7.6% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value from Italy amounted to +8.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-1.1% per year) and the United States (-1.6% per year).
Import Prices By Country
The average expanded metal import price stood at $6,766 per ton in 2024, standing approx. at the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, posted a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 an increase of 53%. The import price peaked at $6,842 per ton in 2023, and then contracted modestly in the following year.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was France ($11,074 per ton), while the price for China ($1,735 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+17.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Iron Or Steel Expanded Metal
In 2024, expanded metal exports from the UK skyrocketed to 11K tons, increasing by 29% against the previous year’s figure. Over the period under review, total exports indicated mild growth from 2013 to 2024: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, exports increased by +77.0% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2024 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.
In value terms, expanded metal exports expanded notably to $21M in 2024. Overall, total exports indicated a slight increase from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, exports increased by +101.8% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 67% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2024 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.
Exports By Country
Kuwait (3.2K tons), the Czech Republic (1.9K tons) and Germany (1.8K tons) were the main destinations of expanded metal exports from the UK, together accounting for 65% of total exports. France, Ireland, Denmark, Poland, Finland, South Africa and Saudi Arabia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 27%.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for France (with a CAGR of +67.8%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, Kuwait ($6.1M), the Czech Republic ($3.4M) and Ireland ($2.8M) appeared to be the largest markets for expanded metal exported from the UK worldwide, with a combined 57% share of total exports. Germany, France, Finland, Denmark, Poland, South Africa and Saudi Arabia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 30%.
In terms of the main countries of destination, France, with a CAGR of +41.3%, 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
The average expanded metal export price stood at $2,033 per ton in 2024, dropping by -12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 27%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $2,564 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the export prices failed to regain momentum.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($45,466 per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany ($1,446 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 Saudi Arabia (+32.2%), 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 expanded metal 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 expanded metal 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 25931350 – Iron or steel expanded metalCountry 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 expanded metal 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 expanded metal dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the expanded metal 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.