Flax fiber trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in flax fiber was worth $1.84 billion in 2024, about 521.9 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 159% since 2017, and up 15% 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 | $1.84B | 521.9K t |
| 2023 | $1.59B | 563.8K t |
| 2022 | $1.23B | 547.3K t |
| 2021 | $1.07B | 567.7K t |
| 2020 | $752.3M | 461.6K t |
| 2019 | $1.05B | 516.3K t |
| 2018 | $914.9M | 446.5K t |
| 2017 | $709.1M | 446.2K t |
Top flax fiber exporting countries
Exports are led by France (55%), Belgium (23%) and Egypt (7%). 76 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 85%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $1.02B | 55% |
| Belgium | $421.6M | 23% |
| Egypt | $122.7M | 6.7% |
| Italy | $59.7M | 3.3% |
| Belarus | $54.6M | 3% |
| Lithuania | $39.8M | 2.2% |
| Netherlands | $28.8M | 1.6% |
| Russia | $23.8M | 1.3% |
| Vietnam | $18.0M | 1% |
| Ethiopia | $11.0M | 0.6% |
| Poland | $9.6M | 0.5% |
| Latvia | $9.0M | 0.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are China (47%), India (16%) and Belgium (15%). 160 countries imported it, and the top three take 78% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $862.6M | 47% |
| India | $286.8M | 16% |
| Belgium | $276.6M | 15% |
| France | $51.2M | 2.8% |
| Lithuania | $37.4M | 2% |
| Tunisia | $31.3M | 1.7% |
| Hong Kong | $31.2M | 1.7% |
| Netherlands | $29.1M | 1.6% |
| Djibouti | $23.9M | 1.3% |
| Turkey | $19.8M | 1.1% |
| Bangladesh | $17.2M | 0.9% |
| Vietnam | $17.2M | 0.9% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.52 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Italy averaged $14.70 per kg and the Netherlands $2.93 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 5301: Flax, raw or processed but not spun; flax tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock). HS 5301 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most flax fiber?
France exported $1.02 billion in 2024, 55% of the world total, followed by Belgium (23%) and Egypt (7%). In all, 76 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most flax fiber?
China imported $862.6 million in 2024, 47% of world imports, ahead of India (16%) and Belgium (15%). The top three importers together take 78%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in flax fiber?
It was worth $1.84 billion in 2024, about 521.9 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 159% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 76 countries reported exports and 160 reported imports.
What is the average price of flax fiber per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.52 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Italy averaged $14.70 per kg and the Netherlands $2.93 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 flax fiber?
The HS code for flax fiber is heading 5301, in chapter 53 (vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 5301 page.
How can I find flax fiber 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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