Coal tar pitch trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in coal tar pitch was worth $1.67 billion in 2024, about 1.95 million tonnes. That is an increase of 70% since 2017, and down 26% 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 | $1.67B | 1.95M t |
| 2023 | $2.26B | 2.06M t |
| 2022 | $2.55B | 2.20M t |
| 2021 | $1.71B | 2.46M t |
| 2020 | $1.16B | 2.13M t |
| 2019 | $1.64B | 2.18M t |
| 2018 | $1.97B | 2.39M t |
| 2017 | $981.2M | 1.90M t |
Top coal tar pitch exporting countries
Exports are led by China (34%), Belgium (10%) and Germany (7%). 62 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 52%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $570.4M | 34% |
| Belgium | $173.0M | 10% |
| Germany | $121.2M | 7.3% |
| South Korea | $118.7M | 7.1% |
| Czech Republic | $111.9M | 6.7% |
| Spain | $106.0M | 6.4% |
| India | $102.0M | 6.1% |
| Denmark | $95.8M | 5.8% |
| Canada | $77.3M | 4.6% |
| Taiwan | $55.4M | 3.3% |
| Japan | $33.2M | 2% |
| United States | $22.3M | 1.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Bahrain (12%), the United Arab Emirates (9%) and Canada (8%). 113 countries imported it, and the top three take 29% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | $200.8M | 12% |
| United Arab Emirates | $143.2M | 8.6% |
| Canada | $136.7M | 8.2% |
| Norway | $99.3M | 6% |
| United States | $98.9M | 5.9% |
| Australia | $83.4M | 5% |
| Brazil | $77.9M | 4.7% |
| Belgium | $64.8M | 3.9% |
| Russia | $63.3M | 3.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $63.2M | 3.8% |
| Mozambique | $62.7M | 3.8% |
| Poland | $56.7M | 3.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.86 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Spain averaged $0.96 per kg and India $0.76 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 2708: Pitch and pitch coke; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars. HS 2708 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most coal tar pitch?
China exported $570.4 million in 2024, 34% of the world total, followed by Belgium (10%) and Germany (7%). In all, 62 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most coal tar pitch?
Bahrain imported $200.8 million in 2024, 12% of world imports, ahead of the United Arab Emirates (9%) and Canada (8%). The top three importers together take 29%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in coal tar pitch?
It was worth $1.67 billion in 2024, about 1.95 million tonnes. That is an increase of 70% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $2.55 billion. 62 countries reported exports and 113 reported imports.
What is the average price of coal tar pitch per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.86 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Spain averaged $0.96 per kg and India $0.76 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 coal tar pitch?
The HS code for coal tar pitch is heading 2708, in chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral 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 2708 page.
How can I find coal tar pitch 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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