Borax trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in borax was worth $457.9 million in 2024, about 1.24 million tonnes. That is an increase of 17% since 2017, and up 15% 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 | $457.9M | 1.24M t |
| 2023 | $396.9M | 1.03M t |
| 2022 | $448.6M | 1.25M t |
| 2021 | $405.4M | 1.33M t |
| 2020 | $305.4M | 1.01M t |
| 2019 | $348.7M | 1.12M t |
| 2018 | $423.7M | 1.27M t |
| 2017 | $392.9M | 1.20M t |
Top borax exporting countries
Exports are led by Turkey (57%), Bolivia (22%) and Argentina (7%). 61 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 87%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $261.3M | 57% |
| Bolivia | $103.0M | 23% |
| Argentina | $33.5M | 7.3% |
| Austria | $13.7M | 3% |
| Chile | $12.4M | 2.7% |
| Luxembourg | $6.9M | 1.5% |
| Peru | $4.6M | 1% |
| Spain | $3.4M | 0.8% |
| United States | $3.2M | 0.7% |
| Netherlands | $2.2M | 0.5% |
| China | $2.2M | 0.5% |
| Finland | $1.7M | 0.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 24% of world imports, ahead of Brazil and India. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 56% across 127 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $112.2M | 25% |
| Brazil | $96.0M | 21% |
| India | $48.2M | 11% |
| United States | $27.1M | 5.9% |
| Peru | $14.0M | 3.1% |
| Czech Republic | $13.7M | 3% |
| Austria | $11.1M | 2.4% |
| Taiwan | $9.5M | 2.1% |
| Slovakia | $9.3M | 2% |
| Belgium | $8.9M | 1.9% |
| Indonesia | $8.1M | 1.8% |
| Malaysia | $8.0M | 1.8% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.37 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Spain averaged $0.59 per kg and Bolivia $0.29 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?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 2528: Natural borates and concentrates thereof (whether or not calcined), but not including borates separated from natural brine; natural boric acid containing not more than 85 % of H3BO3 calculated on the dry weight. HS 2528 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most borax?
Turkey exported $261.3 million in 2024, 57% of the world total, followed by Bolivia (22%) and Argentina (7%). In all, 61 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most borax?
China imported $112.2 million in 2024, 24% of world imports, ahead of Brazil (21%) and India (11%). The top three importers together take 56%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in borax?
It was worth $457.9 million in 2024, about 1.24 million tonnes. That is an increase of 17% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 61 countries reported exports and 127 reported imports.
What is the average price of borax per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.37 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Spain averaged $0.59 per kg and Bolivia $0.29 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for borax?
The HS code for borax is heading 2528, in chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2528 page.
How can I find borax buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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