Market evolution: Copper coated steel wire coils (CN 72173041) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyses the trade dynamics of EU extra-EU trade in copper-coated steel wire coils (Customs code 72173041) over the 2015–2025 period. Drawing from available trade data, the analysis identifies significant structural shifts in the EU's trading position, characterised by a marked decline in export performance, a reconfiguration of key trade partnerships, and a growing, though volatile, import reliance. The EU has transitioned from a consistent net exporter to a more balanced, and occasionally net-importing, position in this market segment.

Declining Export Performance and Shifting Trade Balances

The EU's role as a net exporter of this product has eroded considerably over the decade. This is evident in the substantial decline in export volumes and value, contrasted with a more resilient import trajectory.

Sharp contraction in EU export volumes and value

EU exports to non-EU countries fell dramatically between 2015 and 2025. The export quantity decreased by 48.8%, from 27,435 tonnes to 14,060 tonnes. Similarly, the export value dropped by 37.1%, from €33.6 million to €21.1 million. This decline in volume outpaced the decline in value, reflecting a 22.8% increase in the average export price over the same period.

A relative stability in imports masks underlying shifts

In contrast, EU imports showed a mixed picture. While the import quantity saw a slight net decline of 11.4% (from 13,333 to 11,808 tonnes), the import value increased by 18.4% (from €14.7 million to €17.4 million), driven by a significant 33.7% rise in import prices.

The EU's trade surplus has largely evaporated

The combined effect of falling exports and relatively resilient imports was a severe erosion of the EU's trade balance. The trade surplus plummeted by 80.1%, from €18.9 million in 2015 to just €3.8 million in 2025. On a net import reliance basis, the EU moved from a slight net-export position (-0.2%) in 2015 to a net-import position (2.2%) in 2025.

A Reconfiguration of Key Trade Partnerships

The decade witnessed a significant reordering of the EU's most important trading partners for this product, with traditional relationships weakening and new ones emerging on both the import and export sides.

China solidified its dominance as the EU's primary supplier

China's position as the leading source of EU imports became more entrenched. Chinese imports grew by 4.5% in value, from €9.1 million to €9.5 million, and it consistently held a large share of the EU import market, although its volatility (CV of 0.21) was among the lowest for major partners.

Traditional export partners lost ground while others gained

The EU's export landscape shifted markedly. The United Kingdom, while remaining the top export destination, saw a 27.3% decline in export value. Exports to other traditional partners like Egypt (-92.0%), Brazil (-51.4%), and Korea (-79.5%) collapsed. Conversely, exports to Türkiye surged by 167.0% to become a significant market, and exports to the United States saw a modest 11.4% increase.

Türkiye emerged as a pivotal two-way trade partner

Türkiye's role transformed dramatically on both sides of the trade ledger. It became a major supplier, with imports from Türkiye growing by 841.5% to €3.8 million. Simultaneously, as noted above, it became a key growth market for EU exports. This two-way growth, however, came with high volatility (import CV of 1.24, export CV of 0.52).

Internal EU Dynamics and Increased Market Volatility

The changing external trade picture was mirrored by shifts in the specialisation and production patterns within the EU, as well as by increased price volatility in key relationships.

Production shifted towards value while concentration in trade changed

EU production data reveals a strategic pivot: while production quantity declined by 23.2%, production value rose by 38.6%, indicating a move towards higher-value output. In terms of specialisation, Czechia and Estonia showed strong comparative advantage in 2025, while large economies like Germany and France saw their export shares decline significantly.

Trade concentration evolved differently for imports and exports

The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for import value fell by 11.0%, suggesting a slight diversification of suppliers away from the most concentrated sources. In contrast, the HHI for export value increased by 42.7%, pointing to a growing concentration of EU exports in fewer partner countries.

Significant price shocks occurred in key export markets in 2022

The period saw notable price volatility. An analysis of shock events identified abnormal price surges in EU exports to several partners in 2022. The most pronounced were to the Republic of Korea (abnormality score of 17.8, price shift of +59.3%), Mexico (9.4, +55.7%), and Egypt (6.0, +74.2%). These events, occurring amidst the global energy and supply chain disruptions, highlight the market's sensitivity to external shocks.

Conclusion

Over the 2015–2025 period, the EU's market for copper-coated steel wire coils underwent a fundamental transformation. The bloc's traditional role as a strong net exporter diminished, leading to a near-balance in trade and periods of net import reliance. This shift was driven by a steep decline in export volumes and a reconfiguration of partnerships, with China becoming a paramount supplier and Türkiye emerging as a crucial two-way partner. Domestically, the industry appears to be moving towards higher-value production. These trends, coupled with increased export concentration and episodes of sharp price volatility, suggest a more complex and potentially vulnerable trade environment for this specific steel product within the EU.