High-purity lactose trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in high-purity lactose was worth $1.33 billion in 2024, about 1.07 million tonnes. That is an increase of 27% since 2017, and down 16% 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 | $1.33B | 1.07M t |
| 2023 | $1.59B | 1.11M t |
| 2022 | $1.71B | 1.04M t |
| 2021 | $1.44B | 983.4K t |
| 2020 | $1.28B | 992.2K t |
| 2019 | $1.15B | 932.9K t |
| 2018 | $988.4M | 904.4K t |
| 2017 | $1.05B | 870.4K t |
Top high-purity lactose exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (30%), Germany (29%) and the Netherlands (19%). 80 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 78%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $399.6M | 30% |
| Germany | $380.9M | 29% |
| Netherlands | $258.4M | 19% |
| Denmark | $67.2M | 5.1% |
| New Zealand | $37.0M | 2.8% |
| France | $34.8M | 2.6% |
| Austria | $21.5M | 1.6% |
| Italy | $20.7M | 1.6% |
| Poland | $18.7M | 1.4% |
| Canada | $12.5M | 0.9% |
| Lithuania | $11.0M | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $10.3M | 0.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 11% of world imports, ahead of the Netherlands and New Zealand. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 27% across 156 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $149.0M | 11% |
| Netherlands | $107.1M | 8.1% |
| New Zealand | $102.8M | 7.7% |
| Japan | $95.3M | 7.2% |
| India | $88.6M | 6.7% |
| France | $52.1M | 3.9% |
| Germany | $51.4M | 3.9% |
| Mexico | $48.8M | 3.7% |
| Ireland | $48.3M | 3.6% |
| Indonesia | $48.2M | 3.6% |
| Thailand | $30.3M | 2.3% |
| Brazil | $30.2M | 2.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.24 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Austria averaged $1.94 per kg and Italy $0.92 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 1702.11: Sugars: lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter. HS 1702 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most high-purity lactose?
The United States exported $399.6 million in 2024, 30% of the world total, followed by Germany (29%) and the Netherlands (19%). In all, 80 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most high-purity lactose?
China imported $149.0 million in 2024, 11% of world imports, ahead of the Netherlands (8%) and New Zealand (8%). The top three importers together take 27%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in high-purity lactose?
It was worth $1.33 billion in 2024, about 1.07 million tonnes. That is an increase of 27% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $1.71 billion. 80 countries reported exports and 156 reported imports.
What is the average price of high-purity lactose per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.24 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Austria averaged $1.94 per kg and Italy $0.92 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 high-purity lactose?
The HS code for high-purity lactose is subheading 1702.11, in chapter 17 (sugars and sugar confectionery). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 1702 page.
How can I find high-purity lactose 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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