Glutamic acid trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in glutamic acid was worth $2.02 billion in 2024, about 1.46 million tonnes. That is an increase of 55% since 2017, and up 4% 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 | $2.02B | 1.46M t |
| 2023 | $1.93B | 1.26M t |
| 2022 | $2.22B | 1.32M t |
| 2021 | $1.59B | 1.14M t |
| 2020 | $1.40B | 1.13M t |
| 2019 | $1.45B | 1.13M t |
| 2018 | $1.29B | 958.0K t |
| 2017 | $1.30B | 984.9K t |
Top glutamic acid exporting countries
Exports are led by China (53%), Thailand (9%) and Indonesia (8%). 98 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 70%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.06B | 53% |
| Thailand | $187.8M | 9.3% |
| Indonesia | $162.9M | 8.1% |
| Brazil | $152.2M | 7.6% |
| France | $106.4M | 5.3% |
| Hong Kong | $90.2M | 4.5% |
| Vietnam | $85.4M | 4.2% |
| Malaysia | $56.7M | 2.8% |
| Taiwan | $24.6M | 1.2% |
| Netherlands | $13.1M | 0.7% |
| United States | $10.9M | 0.5% |
| Germany | $10.2M | 0.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Japan (9%), Nigeria (7%) and Indonesia (7%). 200 countries imported it, and the top three take 23% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $178.4M | 8.9% |
| Nigeria | $149.0M | 7.4% |
| Indonesia | $140.0M | 7% |
| Vietnam | $133.5M | 6.6% |
| Thailand | $117.1M | 5.8% |
| Malaysia | $92.5M | 4.6% |
| Myanmar | $90.4M | 4.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $86.7M | 4.3% |
| Philippines | $83.7M | 4.2% |
| South Korea | $77.6M | 3.9% |
| India | $73.9M | 3.7% |
| Cambodia | $49.5M | 2.5% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.38 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Hong Kong averaged $3.83 per kg and China $1.09 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 Glutamic acid (HS 2922.42) 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 2922.42: Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters: glutamic acid and its esters: salts thereof. HS 2922 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most glutamic acid?
China exported $1.06 billion in 2024, 53% of the world total, followed by Thailand (9%) and Indonesia (8%). In all, 98 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most glutamic acid?
Japan imported $178.4 million in 2024, 9% of world imports, ahead of Nigeria (7%) and Indonesia (7%). The top three importers together take 23%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in glutamic acid?
It was worth $2.02 billion in 2024, about 1.46 million tonnes. That is an increase of 55% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $2.22 billion. 98 countries reported exports and 200 reported imports.
What is the average price of glutamic acid per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.38 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Hong Kong averaged $3.83 per kg and China $1.09 per kg, so grade and origin matter. Read it as a benchmark: it blends all grades, origins and contract terms.
What is the HS code for glutamic acid?
The HS code for glutamic acid is subheading 2922.42, 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 2922 page.
How can I find glutamic acid buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of glutamic acid by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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