Direct dyes trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in direct dyes was worth $364.2 million in 2024, about 117.9 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 11% since 2017, and down 5% 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 | $364.2M | 117.9K t |
| 2023 | $383.4M | 107.9K t |
| 2022 | $454.8M | 117.8K t |
| 2021 | $472.4M | 130.5K t |
| 2020 | $379.6M | 115.7K t |
| 2019 | $419.2M | 119.1K t |
| 2018 | $449.5M | 132.1K t |
| 2017 | $409.6M | 105.6K t |
Top direct dyes exporting countries
Exports are led by India (33%), China (12%) and Spain (8%). 83 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 54%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $121.9M | 34% |
| China | $43.9M | 12% |
| Spain | $29.7M | 8.2% |
| Germany | $21.7M | 6% |
| Japan | $17.2M | 4.7% |
| Netherlands | $17.1M | 4.7% |
| Italy | $15.3M | 4.2% |
| Taiwan | $13.5M | 3.7% |
| Mexico | $12.5M | 3.4% |
| Thailand | $11.6M | 3.2% |
| United States | $11.0M | 3% |
| Turkey | $10.5M | 2.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Italy (9%), Germany (8%) and the Netherlands (7%). 161 countries imported it, and the top three take 24% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $32.9M | 9% |
| Germany | $28.1M | 7.7% |
| Netherlands | $25.8M | 7.1% |
| China | $22.1M | 6.1% |
| Japan | $20.5M | 5.6% |
| United States | $18.2M | 5% |
| Indonesia | $15.1M | 4.1% |
| Philippines | $14.3M | 3.9% |
| France | $11.5M | 3.1% |
| Spain | $10.8M | 3% |
| Mexico | $10.1M | 2.8% |
| Vietnam | $10.1M | 2.8% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.09 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $25.43 per kg and India $2.37 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 Direct dyes (HS 3204.14) 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 3204.14: Dyes: direct dyes and preparations based thereon. HS 3204 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most direct dyes?
India exported $121.9 million in 2024, 33% of the world total, followed by China (12%) and Spain (8%). In all, 83 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most direct dyes?
Italy imported $32.9 million in 2024, 9% of world imports, ahead of Germany (8%) and the Netherlands (7%). The top three importers together take 24%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in direct dyes?
It was worth $364.2 million in 2024, about 117.9 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 11% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $472.4 million. 83 countries reported exports and 161 reported imports.
What is the average price of direct dyes per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.09 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $25.43 per kg and India $2.37 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 direct dyes?
The HS code for direct dyes is subheading 3204.14, in chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 3204 page.
How can I find direct dyes buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of direct dyes by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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