Castor oil trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in castor oil was worth $1.28 billion in 2024, about 766.9 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 15% since 2017, and up 1% 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 | $1.28B | 766.9K t |
| 2023 | $1.27B | 718.4K t |
| 2022 | $1.41B | 659.4K t |
| 2021 | $1.32B | 775.6K t |
| 2020 | $988.2M | 685.7K t |
| 2019 | $1.11B | 622.0K t |
| 2018 | $1.07B | 666.3K t |
| 2017 | $1.11B | 666.0K t |
Top castor oil exporting countries
Exports are led by India (90%), the Netherlands (2%) and Germany (2%). 105 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 94%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.15B | 90% |
| Netherlands | $29.6M | 2.3% |
| Germany | $24.2M | 1.9% |
| France | $23.6M | 1.8% |
| Kenya | $8.2M | 0.6% |
| United States | $7.5M | 0.6% |
| Belgium | $5.1M | 0.4% |
| China | $3.7M | 0.3% |
| Brazil | $3.6M | 0.3% |
| Canada | $3.4M | 0.3% |
| Italy | $3.3M | 0.3% |
| Thailand | $2.9M | 0.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are China (40%), the Netherlands (10%) and the United States (9%). 178 countries imported it, and the top three take 59% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $511.5M | 40% |
| Netherlands | $125.8M | 9.8% |
| United States | $117.1M | 9.1% |
| Germany | $106.8M | 8.3% |
| France | $87.3M | 6.8% |
| Italy | $38.3M | 3% |
| Thailand | $31.0M | 2.4% |
| Japan | $25.4M | 2% |
| Spain | $21.3M | 1.7% |
| South Korea | $17.6M | 1.4% |
| United Kingdom | $16.9M | 1.3% |
| Turkey | $15.0M | 1.2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.67 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $4.59 per kg and Kenya $0.77 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 1515.30: Vegetable oils: castor oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. HS 1515 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most castor oil?
India exported $1.15 billion in 2024, 90% of the world total, followed by the Netherlands (2%) and Germany (2%). In all, 105 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most castor oil?
China imported $511.5 million in 2024, 40% of world imports, ahead of the Netherlands (10%) and the United States (9%). The top three importers together take 59%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in castor oil?
It was worth $1.28 billion in 2024, about 766.9 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 15% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $1.41 billion. 105 countries reported exports and 178 reported imports.
What is the average price of castor oil per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.67 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $4.59 per kg and Kenya $0.77 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 castor oil?
The HS code for castor oil is subheading 1515.30, in chapter 15 (animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 1515 page.
How can I find castor oil 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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.