Citric acid salts and esters trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in citric acid salts and esters was worth $958.9 million in 2024, about 535.7 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 67% since 2017, and down 11% 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 | $958.9M | 535.7K t |
| 2023 | $1.08B | 476.2K t |
| 2022 | $1.33B | 520.3K t |
| 2021 | $857.1M | 495.1K t |
| 2020 | $645.5M | 441.7K t |
| 2019 | $639.6M | 421.6K t |
| 2018 | $643.1M | 386.7K t |
| 2017 | $573.6M | 355.6K t |
Top citric acid salts and esters exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 32% of world exports, followed by Germany and Austria. The top three supply 63% between them, out of 98 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $305.0M | 32% |
| Germany | $193.7M | 20% |
| Austria | $109.9M | 12% |
| Israel | $74.9M | 7.8% |
| United States | $54.3M | 5.7% |
| India | $39.9M | 4.2% |
| Belgium | $37.2M | 3.9% |
| France | $22.2M | 2.3% |
| Colombia | $16.5M | 1.7% |
| Netherlands | $16.5M | 1.7% |
| Poland | $12.8M | 1.3% |
| Canada | $11.6M | 1.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United States (14%), the Netherlands (7%) and France (6%). 185 countries imported it, and the top three take 27% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $136.4M | 14% |
| Netherlands | $70.0M | 7.3% |
| France | $54.8M | 5.7% |
| Germany | $50.7M | 5.3% |
| Poland | $49.6M | 5.2% |
| Canada | $44.0M | 4.6% |
| Italy | $38.2M | 4% |
| Russia | $34.9M | 3.6% |
| Spain | $31.0M | 3.2% |
| Japan | $25.6M | 2.7% |
| Mexico | $25.4M | 2.7% |
| Ireland | $24.7M | 2.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.79 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $10.97 per kg and China $0.98 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 salts and esters (HS 2918.15) 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 2918.15: Acids: carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of citric acid. HS 2918 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most citric acid salts and esters?
China exported $305.0 million in 2024, 32% of the world total, followed by Germany (20%) and Austria (11%). In all, 98 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most citric acid salts and esters?
The United States imported $136.4 million in 2024, 14% of world imports, ahead of the Netherlands (7%) and France (6%). The top three importers together take 27%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in citric acid salts and esters?
It was worth $958.9 million in 2024, about 535.7 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 67% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $1.33 billion. 98 countries reported exports and 185 reported imports.
What is the average price of citric acid salts and esters per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.79 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $10.97 per kg and China $0.98 per kg, so grade and origin matter. Read it as a benchmark: it blends all grades, origins and contract terms.
What is the HS code for citric acid salts and esters?
The HS code for citric acid salts and esters is subheading 2918.15, 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 salts and esters buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of citric acid salts and esters by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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.