Citric acid trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in citric acid was worth $2.18 billion in 2024, about 1.96 million tonnes. That is an increase of 42% since 2017, and down 9% 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 | $2.18B | 1.96M t |
| 2023 | $2.41B | 1.69M t |
| 2022 | $3.72B | 1.85M t |
| 2021 | $2.21B | 1.70M t |
| 2020 | $1.41B | 1.58M t |
| 2019 | $1.40B | 1.54M t |
| 2018 | $1.56B | 1.52M t |
| 2017 | $1.53B | 1.47M t |
Top citric acid exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 47% of world exports, followed by Austria and Canada. The top three supply 68% between them, out of 127 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.02B | 47% |
| Austria | $251.6M | 12% |
| Canada | $218.7M | 10% |
| Thailand | $178.8M | 8.2% |
| Belgium | $126.9M | 5.8% |
| Germany | $67.7M | 3.1% |
| Colombia | $46.3M | 2.1% |
| United States | $39.4M | 1.8% |
| Ireland | $31.9M | 1.5% |
| Poland | $28.5M | 1.3% |
| Turkey | $25.3M | 1.2% |
| Netherlands | $23.7M | 1.1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 19% of world imports, ahead of Germany and India. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 32% across 208 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $420.9M | 19% |
| Germany | $174.3M | 8% |
| India | $103.5M | 4.8% |
| Mexico | $98.5M | 4.5% |
| Guatemala | $78.7M | 3.6% |
| Italy | $68.5M | 3.1% |
| France | $68.1M | 3.1% |
| Poland | $56.5M | 2.6% |
| Japan | $55.6M | 2.6% |
| Russia | $54.3M | 2.5% |
| United Kingdom | $52.0M | 2.4% |
| Netherlands | $51.4M | 2.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.12 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $2.97 per kg and China $0.80 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 Citric acid (HS 2918.14) 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 2918.14: Acids: carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), citric acid. HS 2918 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most citric acid?
China exported $1.02 billion in 2024, 47% of the world total, followed by Austria (12%) and Canada (10%). In all, 127 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most citric acid?
The United States imported $420.9 million in 2024, 19% of world imports, ahead of Germany (8%) and India (5%). The top three importers together take 32%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in citric acid?
It was worth $2.18 billion in 2024, about 1.96 million tonnes. That is an increase of 42% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $3.72 billion. 127 countries reported exports and 208 reported imports.
What is the average price of citric acid per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.12 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $2.97 per kg and China $0.80 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 citric acid?
The HS code for citric acid is subheading 2918.14, in chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 2918 page.
How can I find citric acid 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 citric acid buyers and suppliers on a short call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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