Cellulose nitrate trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in cellulose nitrate was worth $590.9 million in 2024, about 144.6 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 32% 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
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $590.9M | 144.6K t |
| 2023 | $582.3M | 144.6K t |
| 2022 | $536.4M | 156.5K t |
| 2021 | $501.6M | 173.2K t |
| 2020 | $410.2M | 147.8K t |
| 2019 | $422.3M | 150.9K t |
| 2018 | $436.7M | 149.1K t |
| 2017 | $448.8M | 157.1K t |
Top cellulose nitrate exporting countries
Thailand is the largest exporter with 21% of world exports, followed by Germany and the Czech Republic. The top three supply 48% between them, out of 69 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $121.6M | 21% |
| Germany | $80.7M | 14% |
| Czech Republic | $79.4M | 13% |
| Brazil | $69.7M | 12% |
| China | $66.0M | 11% |
| Taiwan | $44.6M | 7.6% |
| France | $39.2M | 6.6% |
| India | $22.5M | 3.8% |
| United States | $15.6M | 2.7% |
| Indonesia | $9.0M | 1.5% |
| Finland | $6.6M | 1.1% |
| Switzerland | $6.1M | 1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 15% of world imports, ahead of France and Italy. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 30% across 140 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $88.3M | 15% |
| France | $44.0M | 7.5% |
| Italy | $42.9M | 7.3% |
| Canada | $39.2M | 6.6% |
| Vietnam | $36.5M | 6.2% |
| Turkey | $32.6M | 5.5% |
| Spain | $27.0M | 4.6% |
| Mexico | $18.1M | 3.1% |
| Egypt | $18.0M | 3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $17.1M | 2.9% |
| Belgium | $16.3M | 2.8% |
| India | $15.5M | 2.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $4.09 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Czech Republic averaged $12.25 per kg and Taiwan $2.94 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 Cellulose nitrate (HS 3912.20) 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 3912.20: Cellulose nitrates (including collodions): in primary forms. HS 3912 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most cellulose nitrate?
Thailand exported $121.6 million in 2024, 21% of the world total, followed by Germany (14%) and the Czech Republic (13%). In all, 69 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most cellulose nitrate?
The United States imported $88.3 million in 2024, 15% of world imports, ahead of France (7%) and Italy (7%). The top three importers together take 30%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in cellulose nitrate?
It was worth $590.9 million in 2024, about 144.6 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 32% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 69 countries reported exports and 140 reported imports.
What is the average price of cellulose nitrate per kg?
The world average declared value was about $4.09 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Czech Republic averaged $12.25 per kg and Taiwan $2.94 per kg, so grade and origin matter. The average mixes every grade and size, so use it as a market reference rather than an offer.
What is the HS code for cellulose nitrate?
The HS code for cellulose nitrate is subheading 3912.20, 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 cellulose nitrate buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of cellulose nitrate by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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