Light bulbs trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in light bulbs was worth $13.96 billion in 2024, about 724.8 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 19% since 2017, and down 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 | $13.96B | 724.8K t |
| 2023 | $14.46B | 760.8K t |
| 2022 | $16.06B | 771.6K t |
| 2021 | $16.01B | 819.0K t |
| 2020 | $14.58B | 810.2K t |
| 2019 | $15.62B | 867.5K t |
| 2018 | $16.91B | 824.4K t |
| 2017 | $17.18B | 856.5K t |
Top light bulbs exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 55% of world exports, followed by Germany and Poland. The top three supply 67% between them, out of 204 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.68B | 55% |
| Germany | $1.22B | 8.7% |
| Poland | $518.1M | 3.7% |
| United States | $507.3M | 3.6% |
| Japan | $505.5M | 3.6% |
| France | $329.0M | 2.4% |
| Netherlands | $216.4M | 1.6% |
| South Korea | $215.7M | 1.5% |
| Malaysia | $211.0M | 1.5% |
| Mexico | $188.0M | 1.4% |
| Czech Republic | $164.6M | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $161.7M | 1.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 20% of world imports, ahead of Germany and Poland. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 31% across 224 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.81B | 20% |
| Germany | $972.2M | 7% |
| Poland | $519.6M | 3.7% |
| China | $514.3M | 3.7% |
| France | $511.4M | 3.7% |
| Japan | $422.6M | 3% |
| United Kingdom | $407.7M | 2.9% |
| Mexico | $406.3M | 2.9% |
| Canada | $344.3M | 2.5% |
| Netherlands | $307.8M | 2.2% |
| Italy | $291.3M | 2.1% |
| Brazil | $259.3M | 1.9% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $19.26 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $72.00 per kg and China $13.55 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 8539: Lamps; electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps, arc lamps, light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. HS 8539 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most light bulbs?
China exported $7.68 billion in 2024, 55% of the world total, followed by Germany (9%) and Poland (4%). In all, 204 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most light bulbs?
The United States imported $2.81 billion in 2024, 20% of world imports, ahead of Germany (7%) and Poland (4%). The top three importers together take 31%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in light bulbs?
It was worth $13.96 billion in 2024, about 724.8 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 19% since 2017. The peak year was 2017 at $17.18 billion. 204 countries reported exports and 224 reported imports.
What is the average price of light bulbs per kg?
The world average declared value was about $19.26 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $72.00 per kg and China $13.55 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 light bulbs?
The HS code for light bulbs is heading 8539, in chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 8539 page.
How can I find light bulbs 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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