What this market covers
U sections of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled, drawn or extruded, of larger height.
Typical segments
- Standard channels
- Parallel flange channels
- Vehicle channels
- Structural channels
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 5% 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 U section steel (HS 721631) were worth $1.56 billion in 2024. | 1.56 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 5% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($1.48 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +5 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 15% of world exports ($240.1 million). | 15 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, China, Turkey and Spain, shipped 40% of world exports in 2024. | 40 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest importer in 2024, buying $94.6 million, or 6% of world imports. | 6 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 48 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 48 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $0.78 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 0.78 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 2.00 million tonnes of this product in 2024. | 2.00 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
- Construction firms
- Fabricators
- Vehicle makers
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 U section steel market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 721631 reached $1.56 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most U section steel?
China led world exports in 2024 with 15% of the total, followed by Turkey, Spain and Germany.
Which countries import the most U section steel?
The United States was the largest importer in 2024, followed by the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Malaysia.
Is world trade in U section steel growing?
World exports were 5% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of U section steel?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $0.78 per kilogram in 2024.
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