What this market covers
Plain hot-rolled flat steel plate of heavy thickness, not in coils and without relief patterns.
Typical segments
- Shipbuilding plate
- Structural plate
- Pressure vessel plate
- Wear plate
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 34% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of heavy hot-rolled steel plate (HS 720851) were worth $14.28 billion in 2024. | 14.28 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 34% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($10.64 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +34 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 26% of world exports ($3.66 billion). | 26 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, China, South Korea and Japan, shipped 51% of world exports in 2024. | 51 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| South Korea was the largest importer in 2024, buying $1.06 billion, or 7% of world imports. | 7 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 60 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 60 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $0.81 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 0.81 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 17.71 million tonnes of this product in 2024. | 17.71 million tonnes | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Shipbuilders
- Fabricators
- Construction firms
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global heavy hot-rolled steel plate market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 720851 reached $14.28 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most heavy hot-rolled steel plate?
China led world exports in 2024 with 26% of the total, followed by South Korea, Japan and Italy.
Which countries import the most heavy hot-rolled steel plate?
South Korea was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.
Is world trade in heavy hot-rolled steel plate growing?
World exports were 34% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of heavy hot-rolled steel plate?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $0.81 per kilogram in 2024.
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