Glass beads trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in glass beads was worth $1.62 billion in 2024, about 639.7 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 25% since 2017, and up 3% 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 | $1.62B | 639.7K t |
| 2023 | $1.57B | 594.7K t |
| 2022 | $1.42B | 526.5K t |
| 2021 | $1.37B | 550.2K t |
| 2020 | $1.03B | 501.4K t |
| 2019 | $1.30B | 530.4K t |
| 2018 | $1.38B | 550.7K t |
| 2017 | $1.29B | 505.2K t |
Top glass beads exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 57% of world exports, followed by Austria and the Czech Republic. The top three supply 70% between them, out of 162 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $928.4M | 57% |
| Austria | $118.8M | 7.3% |
| Czech Republic | $87.5M | 5.4% |
| United States | $63.7M | 3.9% |
| France | $62.5M | 3.9% |
| India | $54.8M | 3.4% |
| Japan | $54.1M | 3.3% |
| Germany | $36.3M | 2.2% |
| Hong Kong | $14.7M | 0.9% |
| United Kingdom | $14.1M | 0.9% |
| Australia | $12.6M | 0.8% |
| Russia | $12.5M | 0.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United Arab Emirates (12%), India (9%) and the United States (9%). 207 countries imported it, and the top three take 30% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $190.7M | 12% |
| India | $151.1M | 9.3% |
| United States | $140.7M | 8.7% |
| China | $63.9M | 4% |
| South Korea | $55.7M | 3.4% |
| United Kingdom | $51.7M | 3.2% |
| Germany | $49.9M | 3.1% |
| Italy | $43.8M | 2.7% |
| Thailand | $42.3M | 2.6% |
| Brazil | $35.5M | 2.2% |
| Turkey | $34.8M | 2.2% |
| Vietnam | $31.2M | 1.9% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $2.53 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Czech Republic averaged $26.33 per kg and Germany $1.80 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 7018: Glass beads, imitation pearls, precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares, statuettes and other ornaments of worked glass; glass microspheres not exceeding 1mm in diameter. HS 7018 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most glass beads?
China exported $928.4 million in 2024, 57% of the world total, followed by Austria (7%) and the Czech Republic (5%). In all, 162 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most glass beads?
The United Arab Emirates imported $190.7 million in 2024, 12% of world imports, ahead of India (9%) and the United States (9%). The top three importers together take 30%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in glass beads?
It was worth $1.62 billion in 2024, about 639.7 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 25% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 162 countries reported exports and 207 reported imports.
What is the average price of glass beads per kg?
The world average declared value was about $2.53 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Czech Republic averaged $26.33 per kg and Germany $1.80 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 glass beads?
The HS code for glass beads is heading 7018, in chapter 70 (glass and glassware). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 7018 page.
How can I find glass beads 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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