Inorganic acid trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in inorganic acid was worth $6.41 billion in 2024, about 6.46 million tonnes. That is an increase of 34% since 2017, and down 0% 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 | $6.41B | 6.46M t |
| 2023 | $6.44B | 5.87M t |
| 2022 | $7.32B | 5.95M t |
| 2021 | $6.25B | 5.55M t |
| 2020 | $5.05B | 8.58M t |
| 2019 | $5.34B | 35.51M t |
| 2018 | $5.44B | 13.03M t |
| 2017 | $4.78B | 5.16M t |
Top inorganic acid exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 27% of world exports, followed by Germany and Japan. The top three supply 45% between them, out of 156 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.74B | 27% |
| Germany | $744.2M | 12% |
| Japan | $421.2M | 6.6% |
| United States | $401.8M | 6.3% |
| Netherlands | $266.3M | 4.2% |
| France | $236.6M | 3.7% |
| South Korea | $223.2M | 3.5% |
| Poland | $209.3M | 3.3% |
| Taiwan | $205.1M | 3.2% |
| Mexico | $174.7M | 2.7% |
| Belgium | $166.4M | 2.6% |
| Spain | $143.9M | 2.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United States (9%), China (6%) and South Korea (6%). 216 countries imported it, and the top three take 21% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $566.0M | 8.8% |
| China | $411.4M | 6.4% |
| South Korea | $390.4M | 6.1% |
| Germany | $360.4M | 5.6% |
| Japan | $317.8M | 5% |
| France | $314.5M | 4.9% |
| Taiwan | $205.3M | 3.2% |
| Mexico | $201.7M | 3.2% |
| United Kingdom | $198.4M | 3.1% |
| Vietnam | $177.3M | 2.8% |
| Canada | $170.0M | 2.7% |
| Poland | $166.3M | 2.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.99 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $5.83 per kg and the Netherlands $0.48 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 2811: Inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals; n.e.c. in heading no. 2806 to 2810. HS 2811 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most inorganic acid?
China exported $1.74 billion in 2024, 27% of the world total, followed by Germany (12%) and Japan (7%). In all, 156 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most inorganic acid?
The United States imported $566.0 million in 2024, 9% of world imports, ahead of China (6%) and South Korea (6%). The top three importers together take 21%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in inorganic acid?
It was worth $6.41 billion in 2024, about 6.46 million tonnes. That is an increase of 34% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $7.32 billion. 156 countries reported exports and 216 reported imports.
What is the average price of inorganic acid per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.99 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $5.83 per kg and the Netherlands $0.48 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 inorganic acid?
The HS code for inorganic acid is heading 2811, in chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2811 page.
How can I find inorganic acid 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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