Food processing machinery trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in food processing machinery was worth $16.69 billion in 2024, about 620.6 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 24% since 2017, and up 2% 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 | $16.69B | 620.6K t |
| 2023 | $16.34B | 593.6K t |
| 2022 | $14.74B | 561.2K t |
| 2021 | $15.00B | 567.5K t |
| 2020 | $13.09B | 526.9K t |
| 2019 | $14.39B | 605.4K t |
| 2018 | $14.74B | 583.5K t |
| 2017 | $13.45B | 593.2K t |
Top food processing machinery exporting countries
Exports are led by Germany (18%), Italy (15%) and the Netherlands (11%). 187 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 44%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.97B | 18% |
| Italy | $2.54B | 15% |
| Netherlands | $1.88B | 11% |
| China | $1.65B | 9.9% |
| United States | $1.10B | 6.6% |
| Denmark | $646.4M | 3.9% |
| France | $636.8M | 3.8% |
| Spain | $474.3M | 2.8% |
| Turkey | $367.7M | 2.2% |
| Switzerland | $363.8M | 2.2% |
| Japan | $338.6M | 2% |
| Poland | $321.0M | 1.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 13% of world imports, ahead of Germany and France. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 20% across 220 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.10B | 13% |
| Germany | $644.0M | 3.9% |
| France | $590.5M | 3.5% |
| Mexico | $578.7M | 3.5% |
| Canada | $557.0M | 3.3% |
| Russia | $557.0M | 3.3% |
| United Kingdom | $508.0M | 3% |
| Netherlands | $505.7M | 3% |
| Poland | $470.7M | 2.8% |
| Turkey | $425.6M | 2.6% |
| Spain | $424.3M | 2.5% |
| India | $385.6M | 2.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $26.89 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Denmark averaged $53.30 per kg and China $10.54 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
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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 8438: Machinery n.e.c. in this chapter, for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink; other than machinery for extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils. HS 8438 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most food processing machinery?
Germany exported $2.97 billion in 2024, 18% of the world total, followed by Italy (15%) and the Netherlands (11%). In all, 187 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most food processing machinery?
The United States imported $2.10 billion in 2024, 13% of world imports, ahead of Germany (4%) and France (4%). The top three importers together take 20%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in food processing machinery?
It was worth $16.69 billion in 2024, about 620.6 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 24% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 187 countries reported exports and 220 reported imports.
What is the average price of food processing machinery per kg?
The world average declared value was about $26.89 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Denmark averaged $53.30 per kg and China $10.54 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 food processing machinery?
The HS code for food processing machinery is heading 8438, in chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 8438 page.
How can I find food processing machinery 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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