Ten years of declared import prices for key metals and ores, by importing country and supplier, set against benchmark prices. Each report is summarised here and emailed in full on request.
The benchmark is volatile. USGS reports the annual average price of 44% manganese ore delivered to China between $4.34 per mtu in 2016 and $7.16 in 2018, with an estimate of $4.50 for 2025.
Read the summary →CopperThe benchmark doubled. The World Bank's annual average LME copper price rose from $4,868 per tonne in 2016 to $9,947 in 2025, with a pause between 2021 ($9,317) and 2023 ($8,490).
Read the summary →NickelThe benchmark peaked in 2022. The World Bank's annual average LME nickel price rose from $9,595 per tonne in 2016 to $25,834 in 2022, then fell to $15,162 in 2025, about 41% below the peak.
Read the summary →Iron oreThe benchmark peaked in 2021. The World Bank's annual average price of iron ore fines delivered CFR China rose from $58.4 per tonne in 2016 to $161.7 in 2021, then fell to $100.2 in 2025.
Read the summary →ZincThe benchmark peaked in 2022. The World Bank's annual average LME zinc price rose from $2,090 per tonne in 2016 to $3,481 in 2022, fell to $2,653 in 2023 and was $2,868 in 2025.
Read the summary →LeadLead has barely moved. The World Bank's annual average LME lead price was $1,867 per tonne in 2016, peaked at $2,315 in 2017 and was $1,962 in 2025.
Read the summary →AluminiumThe benchmark peaked in 2022. The World Bank's annual average LME aluminium price rose from $1,604 per tonne in 2016 to $2,705 in 2022, fell to $2,256 in 2023 and was $2,632 in 2025.
Read the summary →Customs data groups all grades in one code, so import prices average many products and are not directly comparable with a single benchmark grade. Each report explains this and the other limits.