Zinc and articles thereof (chapter 79): which countries import it
Chapter 79 covers unwrought zinc, waste, dust, and finished articles like tubes and wire. The US, China and Germany are the largest import markets,…
Published on 27 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 79 covers unwrought zinc, waste, dust, and finished articles like tubes and wire. The US, China and Germany are the largest import markets, absorbing over USD 5 billion annually. If you export zinc or zinc products from Spain, you need to classify by subheading, check the applicable tariff, and verify any technical requirements for your destination.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 79
- Sector
- Industry and Machinery
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | 2,479,139,669 |
| China | 1,468,125,917 |
| Germany | 1,457,533,633 |
| India | 1,044,526,089 |
| Italy | 1,010,250,838 |
| Türkiye | 936,138,567 |
| Netherlands | 908,036,910 |
| France | 732,001,655 |
| Belgium | 582,171,353 |
| Thailand | 572,032,936 |
| Indonesia | 436,488,778 |
| Saudi Arabia | 408,522,158 |
| Austria | 359,301,538 |
| Singapore | 334,705,972 |
| Poland | 332,983,108 |
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 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Zinc; unwroughtHeading 7901
- Zinc; waste and scrapHeading 7902
- Zinc; dust, powders and flakesHeading 7903
- Zinc; bars, rods, profiles and wireHeading 7904
- Zinc; plates, sheets, strip and foilHeading 7905
- Zinc tubes, pipes and tube or pipe fittings (for example, couplings, elbows, sleeves).Heading 7906
- Zinc; articles n.e.c. in chapter 79Heading 7907
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
How to prepare a zinc export from Spain
Chapter 79 splits into seven headings, from raw zinc to finished goods. Your first step is to identify which heading fits your product exactly: the tariff you pay and any technical rules depend on this classification. Exporta.ai helps you match your product to the right subheading.
The US, China and Germany buy more than half of all zinc imports worldwide. But each market has different tariffs and rules. You need to check the applicable tariff for your specific product and destination using Access2Markets, which shows you the rate under the current trade agreement.
Zinc is not restricted by quotas in most markets, but some destinations may require certificates of origin or technical compliance. Before you quote, verify what your buyer needs: their importer will tell you, or your customs broker can advise based on the destination.
The main zinc trade fairs in Europe are bauma (construction machinery), BIEMH and EMO (machine tools), and Hannover Messe (industrial technology). These are where you find distributors and end users in your target market. Check which fair fits your product format: finished articles, machinery components, or raw materials.
Spain exports zinc mainly as finished goods—tubes, wire, and articles—rather than unwrought metal. If you supply to manufacturers or distributors in Germany, France or Italy, you are closer to the consumer than if you target raw zinc buyers. This affects your pricing and your sales cycle.
Questions about zinc exports
How do I know which tariff applies to my zinc product?
The tariff depends on your exact product subheading within Chapter 79 and the trade agreement in force with your destination. Use Access2Markets: enter the destination country, choose the tariff regime (EU if you export from Spain), and search for your subheading. The tool shows you the rate and any quota or special condition.
Do I need a certificate of origin for zinc exports?
Most zinc products qualify for origin under EU rules if they are manufactured or substantially processed in Spain. Your customs broker or the chamber of commerce in your region can confirm the origin rules for your specific product and destination. If the destination is an EU trade partner, the certificate is often simpler; outside the EU, it depends on whether there is a preferential agreement.
Which countries buy the most zinc imports?
The United States, China, Germany, India and Italy together imported over USD 6.4 billion of zinc products in 2025. The US is the largest buyer. If you target developed markets, Germany and France are closer to you and have established distribution networks for zinc machinery and finished goods.
What trade fairs should I attend to sell zinc products?
The fairs depend on your product type. If you supply tubes, wire or finished zinc articles, try Hannover Messe or bauma. If you sell machinery or equipment that uses zinc, check bauma or BIEMH. These events attract distributors, integrators and end users from your main markets.
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