Kaolin trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in kaolin was worth $1.86 billion in 2024, about 9.11 million tonnes. That is an increase of 1% since 2017, and up 7% 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 | $1.86B | 9.11M t |
| 2023 | $1.75B | 8.59M t |
| 2022 | $2.12B | 10.88M t |
| 2021 | $1.90B | 10.78M t |
| 2020 | $1.59B | 9.14M t |
| 2019 | $1.83B | 12.08M t |
| 2018 | $1.95B | 13.01M t |
| 2017 | $1.84B | 12.47M t |
Top kaolin exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (32%), the United Kingdom (12%) and China (11%). 120 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 56%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $603.7M | 32% |
| United Kingdom | $231.8M | 12% |
| China | $208.6M | 11% |
| Brazil | $147.8M | 7.9% |
| India | $126.4M | 6.8% |
| Germany | $83.5M | 4.5% |
| Czech Republic | $68.0M | 3.7% |
| Belgium | $61.1M | 3.3% |
| France | $57.9M | 3.1% |
| Bulgaria | $33.1M | 1.8% |
| Ukraine | $30.6M | 1.6% |
| Spain | $22.7M | 1.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are China (7%), Italy (6%) and Japan (6%). 182 countries imported it, and the top three take 18% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $129.2M | 6.9% |
| Italy | $111.8M | 6% |
| Japan | $103.9M | 5.6% |
| Germany | $101.2M | 5.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $93.2M | 5% |
| Spain | $88.1M | 4.7% |
| India | $83.1M | 4.5% |
| Belgium | $74.7M | 4% |
| Turkey | $72.1M | 3.9% |
| Mexico | $67.8M | 3.6% |
| Finland | $57.4M | 3.1% |
| Canada | $53.5M | 2.9% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.20 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $0.37 per kg and Germany $0.14 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 2507: Kaolin and other kaolinic clays; whether or not calcined. HS 2507 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most kaolin?
The United States exported $603.7 million in 2024, 32% of the world total, followed by the United Kingdom (12%) and China (11%). In all, 120 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most kaolin?
China imported $129.2 million in 2024, 7% of world imports, ahead of Italy (6%) and Japan (6%). The top three importers together take 18%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in kaolin?
It was worth $1.86 billion in 2024, about 9.11 million tonnes. That is an increase of 1% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $2.12 billion. 120 countries reported exports and 182 reported imports.
What is the average price of kaolin per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.20 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $0.37 per kg and Germany $0.14 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 kaolin?
The HS code for kaolin is heading 2507, in chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2507 page.
How can I find kaolin 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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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