Denim trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in denim was worth $2.30 billion in 2024, about 391.7 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 17% since 2017, and up 13% 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 | $2.30B | 391.7K t |
| 2023 | $2.04B | 324.1K t |
| 2022 | $2.75B | 402.9K t |
| 2021 | $2.74B | 401.5K t |
| 2020 | $1.88B | 273.1K t |
| 2019 | $2.47B | 372.9K t |
| 2018 | $3.01B | 439.3K t |
| 2017 | $2.77B | 421.8K t |
Top denim exporting countries
Exports are led by China (29%), Pakistan (22%) and Turkey (10%). 119 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 61%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $656.3M | 29% |
| Pakistan | $508.9M | 22% |
| Turkey | $228.0M | 9.9% |
| India | $213.4M | 9.3% |
| Egypt | $101.7M | 4.4% |
| Italy | $70.3M | 3.1% |
| Thailand | $60.1M | 2.6% |
| United States | $59.2M | 2.6% |
| Japan | $57.8M | 2.5% |
| Vietnam | $50.3M | 2.2% |
| Brazil | $34.4M | 1.5% |
| Mexico | $33.0M | 1.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Bangladesh is the biggest buyer with 26% of world imports, ahead of Tunisia and Cambodia. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 41% across 178 importing countries.
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $5.87 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Italy averaged $9.02 per kg and China $4.92 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.
Related product types
- Unbleached heavy plain cotton fabric
- Unbleached heavy twill cotton fabric
- Unbleached heavy woven cotton fabric (other weaves)
- Bleached heavy twill cotton fabric
- Bleached heavy woven cotton fabric (other weaves)
- Dyed heavy plain cotton fabric
- Dyed heavy twill cotton fabric
- Dyed heavy woven cotton fabric (other weaves)
- Multi-colour heavy twill cotton fabric
- Multi-colour heavy woven cotton fabric (other weaves)
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Denim (HS 5209.42) 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 5209.42: Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, denim. HS 5209 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most denim?
China exported $656.3 million in 2024, 29% of the world total, followed by Pakistan (22%) and Turkey (10%). In all, 119 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most denim?
Bangladesh imported $597.9 million in 2024, 26% of world imports, ahead of Tunisia (8%) and Cambodia (8%). The top three importers together take 41%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in denim?
It was worth $2.30 billion in 2024, about 391.7 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 17% since 2017. The peak year was 2018 at $3.01 billion. 119 countries reported exports and 178 reported imports.
What is the average price of denim per kg?
The world average declared value was about $5.87 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Italy averaged $9.02 per kg and China $4.92 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 denim?
The HS code for denim is subheading 5209.42, in chapter 52 (cotton). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 5209 page.
How can I find denim buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of denim by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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