Copper and articles thereof (chapter 74): which countries import it
Chapter 74 covers copper and its manufactured products: from refined copper and alloys to tubes, wire, and finished goods. Global imports exceed 190…
Published on 27 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 74 covers copper and its manufactured products: from refined copper and alloys to tubes, wire, and finished goods. Global imports exceed 190 billion USD annually, led by China, the US, and Germany. Spain ranks among the top importers globally. Copper exports require checking origin rules, energy compliance, and destination-specific tariffs.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 74
- Sector
- Industry and Machinery
Main importing markets
USD · 2024| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | 72,567,053,943 |
| United States | 25,083,207,835 |
| Germany | 14,763,828,029 |
| India | 11,840,549,670 |
| Italy | 10,883,946,881 |
| South Korea | 8,218,624,215 |
| Türkiye | 7,493,886,483 |
| Thailand | 6,819,403,825 |
| Belgium | 6,142,675,094 |
| Mexico | 5,522,797,495 |
| France | 5,469,914,715 |
| Spain | 4,820,497,025 |
| Malaysia | 4,726,492,311 |
| Japan | 4,538,374,288 |
| Saudi Arabia | 4,516,699,770 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Copper mattes; cement copper (precipitated copper)Heading 7401
- Copper; unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refiningHeading 7402
- Copper; refined and copper alloys, unwroughtHeading 7403
- Copper; waste and scrapHeading 7404
- Copper; master alloysHeading 7405
- Copper; powders and flakesHeading 7406
- Copper; bars, rods and profilesHeading 7407
- Copper wireHeading 7408
- Copper plates, sheets and strip; of a thickness exceeding 0.15mmHeading 7409
- Copper foil (whether or not printed or backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.15mmHeading 7410
- Copper tubes and pipesHeading 7411
- Copper; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves)Heading 7412
- Copper; stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like, not electrically insulatedHeading 7413
- Cloth (including endless bands), grill and netting, of copper wire; expanded metal of copper.Heading 7414
- Copper, nails, tacks, drawing pins, staples (not those of heading no. 8305) and the like, of copper or iron or steel with heads of copper; screws bolts, nuts, screws hooks, rivets, cotters, washersHeading 7415
- Copper springs.Heading 7416
- Cooking or heating apparatus of a kind used for domestic purposes, non-electric, and parts thereof, of copper.Heading 7417
- Copper; table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof; pot scourers, scouring, polishing pads, gloves and the like; sanitary ware and parts thereofHeading 7418
- Copper; articles thereof n.e.c. in chapter 74Heading 7419
Trade fairs in this sector
- Advanced Factories
- bauma
- BIEMH – Bienal Internacional de Máquina‑Herramienta
- EMO (Exposition Mondiale de la Machine Outil)
- Hannover Messe
- interpack – PROCESSING & PACKAGING
What you need to know to export copper products
Chapter 74 includes twenty headings that range from raw refined copper to finished articles like tubes, wire, and household goods. The tariff for each product depends on its exact classification within the chapter, the destination country, and any trade agreement in force. Check the correct tariff in Access2Markets by entering your specific product code and destination.
Origin is a key barrier. Most copper products qualify for origin under EU rules, but the percentage of non-EU inputs allowed varies by heading. If your product contains copper scrap or material from outside the EU, verify it meets the origin threshold before export. The rules of origin are consulted in the same Access2Markets tool by product and destination.
Energy intensity matters for some destinations. Some importers, particularly in the EU and UK, require evidence that copper production meets carbon or energy standards. This is not a formal barrier for entry, but buyers increasingly ask for it. Check your supplier's compliance before quoting, especially for customers in regulated markets.
Copper wire and tubes face competition from low-cost producers in Asia and Turkey. Your advantage lies in specification, certification, and lead time. Verify whether the importer or end-user has specific standards: electrical conductivity grades, ISO certifications, or food-grade markings for items bound for food contact. These certifications are country or sector-specific and must be confirmed with the buyer.
Trade fairs in machinery and industrial sectors remain the main channel to reach importers and distributors in this chapter. Attend fairs that align with your product type: machinery fairs for copper components and parts, packaging fairs for tube and foil products.
Frequent questions
Where do I check the tariff for my copper product?
The tariff depends on the exact subheading (eight digits) of your product and the destination country. Use Access2Markets: enter your CN code and destination. If you don't have the CN code, start with the 20 headings listed on this page to narrow down your product, then consult a customs broker or the Spanish tax authority (AEAT) to confirm the exact code.
Does my copper product need a certificate of origin?
It depends on your destination and trade agreement. If you export to the EU, no formal certificate is needed. If you export to a third country with an EU trade agreement, a certificate of origin may qualify your product for preferential tariffs and must be requested by the buyer. Without agreement, the importer pays the general tariff. Contact the chamber of commerce in your region for the exact procedure.
Why does China import more copper than anyone else?
China is the world's largest processor and manufacturer of copper articles. Most imports arrive as raw or semi-finished copper for refining and conversion into wire, tubes, and components. Spain exported 4.8 billion USD to the world in 2024; understand that China's 72.6 billion USD reflects both final demand and re-export through Asia.
What quality standards do copper exporters need?
Standards depend on your product and buyer. Refined copper and alloys are governed by ISO and ASTM standards for purity and conductivity. Wire and tubes often require electrical or mechanical certifications. Food-contact items need migration testing. Ask each buyer for their specification sheet before you quote; there is no single standard that covers all copper articles.
How long does customs clearance take for copper shipments?
For shipments from Spain to the EU, there is no customs clearance: copper moves freely. For shipments outside the EU, clearance depends on the destination country's efficiency and your documentation. Typically two to five working days if all papers are correct. Delays occur when origin cannot be verified or when product codes are unclear. Prepare a clear invoice with the HS code and weight to speed up entry.
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