Carboxymethyl cellulose trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in carboxymethyl cellulose was worth $1.10 billion in 2024, about 325.5 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 41% since 2017, and down 3% 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 | $1.10B | 325.5K t |
| 2023 | $1.13B | 304.0K t |
| 2022 | $1.27B | 339.3K t |
| 2021 | $977.3M | 318.7K t |
| 2020 | $825.5M | 288.0K t |
| 2019 | $900.5M | 313.7K t |
| 2018 | $929.1M | 328.0K t |
| 2017 | $781.4M | 290.4K t |
Top carboxymethyl cellulose exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 26% of world exports, followed by Finland and the Netherlands. The top three supply 49% between them, out of 103 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $291.4M | 26% |
| Finland | $163.4M | 15% |
| Netherlands | $88.6M | 8% |
| Turkey | $76.6M | 7% |
| Germany | $75.6M | 6.9% |
| France | $74.7M | 6.8% |
| Japan | $50.7M | 4.6% |
| United States | $33.2M | 3% |
| Italy | $32.5M | 3% |
| Ireland | $23.6M | 2.1% |
| Colombia | $23.4M | 2.1% |
| South Africa | $23.3M | 2.1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 11% of world imports, ahead of India and China. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 24% across 172 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $120.6M | 11% |
| India | $89.6M | 8.1% |
| China | $53.0M | 4.8% |
| Germany | $44.8M | 4.1% |
| South Africa | $39.3M | 3.6% |
| Japan | $33.7M | 3.1% |
| Brazil | $30.4M | 2.8% |
| Netherlands | $27.4M | 2.5% |
| Indonesia | $26.6M | 2.4% |
| Ireland | $26.4M | 2.4% |
| Thailand | $25.5M | 2.3% |
| Italy | $23.8M | 2.2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.39 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $10.10 per kg and Turkey $1.51 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 Carboxymethyl cellulose (HS 3912.31) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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 3912.31: Cellulose ethers: carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms. HS 3912 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most carboxymethyl cellulose?
China exported $291.4 million in 2024, 26% of the world total, followed by Finland (15%) and the Netherlands (8%). In all, 103 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most carboxymethyl cellulose?
The United States imported $120.6 million in 2024, 11% of world imports, ahead of India (8%) and China (5%). The top three importers together take 24%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in carboxymethyl cellulose?
It was worth $1.10 billion in 2024, about 325.5 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 41% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $1.27 billion. 103 countries reported exports and 172 reported imports.
What is the average price of carboxymethyl cellulose per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.39 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $10.10 per kg and Turkey $1.51 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 carboxymethyl cellulose?
The HS code for carboxymethyl cellulose is subheading 3912.31, in chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 3912 page.
How can I find carboxymethyl cellulose buyers and suppliers?
Company names sit below these country totals: EximDataX reads the customs records shipment by shipment, with dates and values. We can show carboxymethyl cellulose buyers and suppliers on a short call.
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