Chemical waste trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in chemical waste was worth $320.4 million in 2024, about 4.86 million tonnes. That is an increase of 50% since 2017, and down 19% 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 | $320.4M | 4.86M t |
| 2023 | $397.5M | 4.50M t |
| 2022 | $311.2M | 4.71M t |
| 2021 | $337.3M | 4.32M t |
| 2020 | $238.2M | 3.13M t |
| 2019 | $221.9M | 2.80M t |
| 2018 | $223.6M | 3.26M t |
| 2017 | $213.3M | 3.17M t |
Top chemical waste exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 13% of world exports, followed by the United Kingdom and Norway. The top three supply 34% between them, out of 137 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $41.4M | 13% |
| United Kingdom | $36.2M | 11% |
| Norway | $30.0M | 9.4% |
| Germany | $28.8M | 9% |
| India | $16.2M | 5.1% |
| Canada | $14.9M | 4.7% |
| Netherlands | $14.6M | 4.6% |
| China | $13.7M | 4.3% |
| Latvia | $11.5M | 3.6% |
| Italy | $10.7M | 3.3% |
| Belgium | $10.1M | 3.2% |
| France | $8.5M | 2.7% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United States (14%), Japan (13%) and Mexico (10%). 163 countries imported it, and the top three take 38% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $45.0M | 14% |
| Japan | $41.8M | 13% |
| Mexico | $33.5M | 11% |
| Sweden | $32.5M | 10% |
| Germany | $24.0M | 7.5% |
| Netherlands | $14.4M | 4.5% |
| Spain | $12.5M | 3.9% |
| France | $11.5M | 3.6% |
| Italy | $10.4M | 3.2% |
| Latvia | $9.1M | 2.8% |
| Belgium | $7.0M | 2.2% |
| Ukraine | $6.4M | 2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.07 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, India averaged $5.52 per kg and the United Kingdom $0.02 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 3825: Residual products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included; municipal waste; sewage sludge; other residual products.. HS 3825 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most chemical waste?
The United States exported $41.4 million in 2024, 13% of the world total, followed by the United Kingdom (11%) and Norway (9%). In all, 137 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most chemical waste?
The United States imported $45.0 million in 2024, 14% of world imports, ahead of Japan (13%) and Mexico (10%). The top three importers together take 38%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in chemical waste?
It was worth $320.4 million in 2024, about 4.86 million tonnes. That is an increase of 50% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $397.5 million. 137 countries reported exports and 163 reported imports.
What is the average price of chemical waste per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.07 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, India averaged $5.52 per kg and the United Kingdom $0.02 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 chemical waste?
The HS code for chemical waste is heading 3825, in chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 3825 page.
How can I find chemical waste 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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