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Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) Suppliers: The Largest Exporting Countries
Hot rolled coil is the most traded flat steel product. Steel makers sell it to pipe makers, service centres and manufacturers, and a coil cargo can be many thousands of tonnes.
The largest exporters
According to OEC trade data for 2024, world exports of hot rolled coil were worth about USD 68.8 billion. China supplied 28.2 percent of world trade, Japan 13.8 and South Korea 9.0. Germany (4.6), Belgium (3.5), Chinese Taipei (2.8), Turkey (2.8) and France (2.7) followed. Asian mills ship mainly inside Asia, and European mills ship mainly inside Europe.
The largest buyers
Vietnam (9.4 percent of world imports), Italy (5.8), South Korea (4.5), India (4.1), Germany (4.0), Turkey (3.9), Spain (3.6) and the United Arab Emirates (3.6) were the largest importers in 2024. Many of them have their own mills and still import coil, either because they need a special grade or because imports are cheaper at a given time.
Specification
A contract names the standard and grade (for example the commercial quality for general use, or a structural grade), the thickness and the width of the coil, the coil weight, the surface (black or pickled) and the tolerances. Prime coil is first quality; secondary or "non-prime" coil has defects and is sold at a discount. Ask for the mill test certificate and for an independent check of weight and condition.
How coils are shipped
Coils go on Handysize and Supramax bulk carriers or on general cargo ships, loaded with cranes, and are stowed in rows and secured with timber and lashing so they do not move at sea. Wet coils rust, so rain during loading and wet holds are a common cause of claims. Keep the weather and the surveyor's report in mind when you plan the loading.
Terms and documents
HRC is sold FOB or CFR; see FOB vs CFR vs CIF. Expect the mill certificate, the inspection report, the certificate of origin, the invoice and the bill of lading; see export and import documents. Many importing countries use anti-dumping duties or quotas on steel, so check the origin rules before you agree the price.
Price and market
The price is quoted per tonne and follows the market for steel and for the raw materials, and it differs from region to region. Offers from different origins are compared on a delivered basis: add the freight and the import duty to the FOB price. See also cold rolled coil and steel billets.
Sourcing HRC on Comdity
The HRC page shows the offers and requests. Post a listing with the grade, thickness, width, quantity, origin and port, and use offer and counteroffer to agree the terms.
The largest exporting and importing countries (2024)
| Top exporting countries | Share of world trade |
|---|---|
| China | 28.2% |
| Japan | 13.8% |
| South Korea | 9% |
| Germany | 4.6% |
| Belgium | 3.5% |
| Chinese Taipei | 2.8% |
| Turkey | 2.8% |
| France | 2.7% |
| Top importing countries | Share of world trade |
|---|---|
| Vietnam | 9.4% |
| Italy | 5.8% |
| South Korea | 4.5% |
| India | 4.1% |
| Germany | 4% |
| Turkey | 3.9% |
| Spain | 3.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | 3.6% |
Source: OEC (BACI/CEPII), 2024, customs codes 7208. The figures count trade by every mode of transport, not only by sea.
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FOB vs CFR vs CIF · Export and import documents · Offer and counteroffer · All guides