Product intelligence · HS 731512 · 2024 data

Chain: articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel

Global exports of chain: articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel totalled $1,060,539,219 in 2024, a -3.4% change from the previous year. Traded by 152 countries across 4,362 bilateral corridors, with demand from 198 importing markets. The long-term trend is stable.

Data: OECD BIMTS · Coverage: 19952024 · Updated: 2026-07-17

Global trade

$1.1B

-3.4% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

+0.9%

5Y: +1.4%

Supply structure

Diversified

HHI 0.141

Volatility

Low

Score 1/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, chain: articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel trade exhibited slight decline, with global flows reaching $1,060,539,219 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of +0.9% (five-year: +1.4%). The all-time peak of $1,098,270,297 was recorded in 2023; the current level is 3% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 66% of years recorded positive growth, indicating a predominantly expanding market. Trend momentum is steady (-0.6% acceleration).

The World Trade Flows Characterization classifies chain: articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel as "One-way trade" in the high price range price segment, providing additional context for market positioning and competitive dynamics.

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is diversified (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.141). The three largest exporters — China ($267.0M), Germany ($256.0M), and United States ($105.4M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at +4.4% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.039). The three largest import markets are United States ($119.8M), Japan ($77.7M), and Mexico ($73.6M). The largest importing market sources from 57 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -6.22. Buyers are highly price-sensitive and can switch between suppliers relatively easily.

The dominant trade corridor is Germany → Japan at $54.1M, representing 69.6% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for chain: articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel is 1 out of 100, classified as low. Trade flows are relatively stable compared to other HS6 products, suggesting mature supply chains and predictable demand.

For market entrants, contracting demand signals caution before committing resources. The diversified supply landscape means many competitors but also multiple entry points and buyer relationships to target.

Data confidence is rated "High" based on reporting coverage and consistency across OECD member and partner countries.

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $1,098,270,297 in 2023. Currently 3% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$882,219,755-3.2%
2016$886,940,902+0.5%
2017$966,999,259+9.0%
2018$1,023,225,116+5.8%
2019$988,800,666-3.4%
2020$835,233,974-15.5%
2021$1,031,351,652+23.5%
2022$1,077,264,891+4.5%
2023$1,098,270,297+1.9%
2024$1,060,539,219-3.4%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of chain: articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel in 2024.

View all 152 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for chain: articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel.

View all 198 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for chain: articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1GermanyJapan$54.1M-1.4%
2United StatesMexico$46.8M+3.0%
3GermanyUnited States$36.0M+5.9%
4GermanySouth Korea$30.7M+4.4%
5ChinaUnited States$25.1M+2.5%
6ChinaRussia$20.6M+18.8%
7United StatesCanada$20.6M+9.9%
8ChinaGermany$16.5M-1.3%

Showing top 8 of 10 corridors with available data for 2024.

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Sources, definitions & methodology

Data source

OECD Bilateral International Merchandise Trade Statistics (BIMTS). Aggregated from 312M+ reported trade records across 200+ countries and 5,300+ HS6 product codes. Coverage: 19952024.

Key indicators

HHI (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index): market concentration, 0 = fully diversified, 1 = single player. CAGR: compound annual growth rate over a stated period. Volatility score: trade value variability, 0–100 scale.

How this page is made

All statistical content on this page is data-driven, composed programmatically from live OECD trade records. No generic AI-generated prose is used. Analytical paragraphs combine real data points with factual interpretation. This page was last refreshed on 2026-07-17.