In the metal scrap industry, the common unit of weight is used as a Metric ton
In the scrap industry, the standard unit of weight is the tonne (also spelled “metric ton”), especially in the UAE. One tonne equals 1,000 kilograms (kg). Scrap metal dealers in the UAE commonly trade and price materials such as iron, aluminum, copper, and brass by the tonne.
Smaller quantities may be measured in kilograms, but bulk deals usually reference the tonne for consistency and global standardization.
Accurate weighing using industrial scales ensures fair pricing. In export and customs documentation, “MT” (Metric Tonne) is the standard abbreviation. Always verify scales and documentation when dealing in large scrap quantities to avoid losses.
Metric tonne or Metric ton and in short form “MT”
In the UAE, the metric system is used, and the unit of weight commonly in the METAL SCRAP INDUSTRY is the metric ton (tonne), which is equal to 1,000 Kilograms.
MT is a measuring unit and abbreviation of metric ton, which is equal to one thousand kilograms. Here ‘T’ is for ton and ‘M’ for metric, this is worldwide since 1879 and is officially accepted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the USA.
unit of weight by Country
Examples of countries in the world use the avoirdupois system
| Name of Country | Unit of weight in Kg | Kg to Lbs. |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 907.18 | 2000 |
| UK | 1016.05 | 2240 |
| PAKISTAN | 1000 | 2205 |
| SAUDI ARAB | 1000 | 2205 |
| CHINA | 1000 KG OR (2000 JIN) | 2205 |
NOTE :
Conversion From Kg TO LBS
| KILOGRAMS | POUNDS |
|---|---|
| 10 | 22.046226218 |
| 100 | 220.46226218 |
| 1000 | 2204.6226218 |
In the scrap industry, weight is the primary factor used to determine the value of materials. Accurate weight measurement ensures fair pricing and smooth transactions. The commonly used units of weight include the metric tonne and the kilogram, with the metric tonne being the standard in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
1. Metric Tonne (MT) – Standard Unit
- 1 Metric Tonne = 1,000 Kilograms
- Abbreviated as MT or simply tonne
- Used for bulk scrap materials such as iron, copper, aluminum, and steel
- Metric tonne is the standard unit for domestic and international trade
- UAE scrap yards, exporters, and importers mostly deal in tonnes
2. Kilogram (kg) – Smaller Quantities
- 1 Kilogram = 1,000 Grams
- Abbreviated as kg
- Used for smaller or retail quantities of scrap
- Often used in local buying and selling before converting total weight to tonnes
3. Conversion Table
Usage in UAE
In the UAE, all major scrap yards, recycling centers, and exporters use the metric system. Weighbridges and digital industrial scales are used to ensure accurate weight. All official documents, customs papers, and invoices list the weight in metric tonnes, making it the most reliable and recognized unit in the UAE scrap business.
