Anionic surfactant trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in anionic surfactant was worth $4.17 billion in 2024, about 2.53 million tonnes. That is an increase of 41% since 2017, and up 5% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.17B | 2.53M t |
| 2023 | $3.98B | 2.22M t |
| 2022 | $4.29B | 2.07M t |
| 2021 | $3.82B | 2.26M t |
| 2020 | $3.12B | 2.14M t |
| 2019 | $3.01B | 2.08M t |
| 2018 | $3.15B | 1.97M t |
| 2017 | $2.95B | 1.90M t |
Top anionic surfactant exporting countries
Exports are led by China (16%), Germany (14%) and the United States (9%). 141 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 39%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $683.3M | 16% |
| Germany | $587.6M | 14% |
| United States | $366.3M | 8.8% |
| Italy | $270.9M | 6.5% |
| India | $268.8M | 6.4% |
| South Korea | $206.6M | 5% |
| Belgium | $141.6M | 3.4% |
| United Kingdom | $129.7M | 3.1% |
| Japan | $98.3M | 2.4% |
| Indonesia | $93.7M | 2.3% |
| Spain | $92.1M | 2.2% |
| Norway | $90.0M | 2.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
France is the biggest buyer with 6% of world imports, ahead of the United States and China. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 17% across 214 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $270.2M | 6.5% |
| United States | $246.7M | 5.9% |
| China | $193.2M | 4.6% |
| Poland | $144.1M | 3.5% |
| Canada | $126.9M | 3% |
| Germany | $126.8M | 3% |
| Brazil | $124.7M | 3% |
| Spain | $111.9M | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $105.4M | 2.5% |
| Vietnam | $103.7M | 2.5% |
| Russia | $102.7M | 2.5% |
| Japan | $85.5M | 2.1% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.65 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United Kingdom averaged $3.28 per kg and China $1.19 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Anionic surfactant (HS 3402.11) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 3402.11: Organic surface-active agents: anionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale. HS 3402 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most anionic surfactant?
China exported $683.3 million in 2024, 16% of the world total, followed by Germany (14%) and the United States (9%). In all, 141 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most anionic surfactant?
France imported $270.2 million in 2024, 6% of world imports, ahead of the United States (6%) and China (5%). The top three importers together take 17%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in anionic surfactant?
It was worth $4.17 billion in 2024, about 2.53 million tonnes. That is an increase of 41% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $4.29 billion. 141 countries reported exports and 214 reported imports.
What is the average price of anionic surfactant per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.65 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United Kingdom averaged $3.28 per kg and China $1.19 per kg, so grade and origin matter. Read it as a benchmark: it blends all grades, origins and contract terms.
What is the HS code for anionic surfactant?
The HS code for anionic surfactant is subheading 3402.11, in chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 3402 page.
How can I find anionic surfactant buyers and suppliers?
The rankings here stop at countries; EximDataX goes down to the companies trading anionic surfactant, from direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your markets to see them live.
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