In 2023, Belgium led European Extra-EU28 imports of precious metals waste, comprising over half of total imports. Germany followed at around 24%, with Sweden trailing at 8%. Italy, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania had moderate shares of 3.52%, 2.38%, and 2.22%, respectively. The Netherlands and France had smaller imports, with the rest of the countries contributing minimally. Over the past year, notable changes included significant growth in Lithuania and Poland's imports, while Finland and Denmark saw substantial decreases. Long-term trends indicate a strong position for Germany and a growing share for smaller countries like Poland.
Looking ahead, potential areas to watch are the continued growth of Lithuania and Poland, shifts in environmental regulations, and technological advancements driving shifts towards sustainable practices in processing precious metal waste. The economic landscapes and international trade agreements will also impact these import dynamics.
Top countries in Precious Metals Waste Extra-EU28 Imports Share by Country (Metric Tons)
| # | 10 Countries | Percent | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Belgium | 55.68 | 2023 | +6.49% | +1.18% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Germany | 24.11 | 2023 | +3.68% | +1.09% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Sweden | 7.92 | 2023 | +5.53% | +3.37% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Italy | 3.52 | 2023 | +3% | +0.6% | View data |
| 5 | 5 United Kingdom | 2.38 | 2023 | +3.71% | +6.08% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Lithuania | 2.22 | 2023 | +6.02% | +7.46% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Netherlands | 1.33 | 2023 | +6.71% | +15.19% | View data |
| 8 | 8 France | 0.51 | 2023 | +4.72% | -3.7% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Poland | 0.33 | 2023 | +5.59% | +9.76% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Estonia | 0.3 | 2023 | +6.38% | +3.6% | View data |