Formic acid esters trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in formic acid esters was worth $52.0 million in 2024, about 12.0 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 0% since 2017, and up 18% 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 | $52.0M | 12.0K t |
| 2023 | $44.0M | 10.5K t |
| 2022 | $51.0M | 11.6K t |
| 2021 | $52.3M | 15.5K t |
| 2020 | $46.4M | 12.6K t |
| 2019 | $64.3M | 15.1K t |
| 2018 | $66.6M | 14.2K t |
| 2017 | $52.0M | 16.7K t |
Top formic acid esters exporting countries
Exports are led by China (22%), India (14%) and the United Kingdom (13%). 55 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 48%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $11.2M | 22% |
| India | $7.3M | 14% |
| United Kingdom | $6.5M | 13% |
| Germany | $5.5M | 11% |
| Canada | $3.4M | 6.6% |
| United States | $3.3M | 6.4% |
| Spain | $2.8M | 5.4% |
| Finland | $1.8M | 3.5% |
| Switzerland | $1.6M | 3.2% |
| France | $1.3M | 2.5% |
| Italy | $1.3M | 2.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1.1M | 2.1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 21% of world imports, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 37% across 106 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $11.1M | 21% |
| Saudi Arabia | $6.0M | 12% |
| Brazil | $2.2M | 4.2% |
| Germany | $2.1M | 4% |
| Switzerland | $1.9M | 3.7% |
| Singapore | $1.8M | 3.6% |
| Senegal | $1.5M | 2.9% |
| Spain | $1.4M | 2.7% |
| South Korea | $1.4M | 2.7% |
| United Kingdom | $1.3M | 2.5% |
| France | $1.3M | 2.4% |
| Netherlands | $1.2M | 2.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $4.33 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Spain averaged $13.78 per kg and Finland $1.62 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 Formic acid esters (HS 2915.13) 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 2915.13: Acids: saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids: esters of formic acid. HS 2915 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most formic acid esters?
China exported $11.2 million in 2024, 22% of the world total, followed by India (14%) and the United Kingdom (13%). In all, 55 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most formic acid esters?
The United States imported $11.1 million in 2024, 21% of world imports, ahead of Saudi Arabia (12%) and Brazil (4%). The top three importers together take 37%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in formic acid esters?
It was worth $52.0 million in 2024, about 12.0 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 0% since 2017. The peak year was 2018 at $66.6 million. 55 countries reported exports and 106 reported imports.
What is the average price of formic acid esters per kg?
The world average declared value was about $4.33 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Spain averaged $13.78 per kg and Finland $1.62 per kg, so grade and origin matter. The average mixes every grade and size, so use it as a market reference rather than an offer.
What is the HS code for formic acid esters?
The HS code for formic acid esters is subheading 2915.13, in chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 2915 page.
How can I find formic acid esters buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of formic acid esters by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.