Live reptiles trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in live reptiles was worth $60.1 million in 2024, about 1.4 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 18% since 2017, and down 2% 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 | $60.1M | 1.4K t |
| 2023 | $61.5M | 1.0K t |
| 2022 | $75.0M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $73.9M | 748 t |
| 2020 | $59.4M | 835 t |
| 2019 | $61.8M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $51.8M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $51.0M | 2.7K t |
Top live reptiles exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 13% of world exports, followed by the United States and Germany. The top three supply 31% between them, out of 102 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.8M | 13% |
| United States | $5.4M | 8.9% |
| Germany | $5.3M | 8.8% |
| Netherlands | $4.6M | 7.6% |
| Indonesia | $4.4M | 7.4% |
| Czech Republic | $3.2M | 5.4% |
| El Salvador | $3.1M | 5.2% |
| Peru | $2.1M | 3.5% |
| Thailand | $2.0M | 3.4% |
| South Korea | $1.5M | 2.4% |
| Canada | $1.4M | 2.3% |
| Ecuador | $1.1M | 1.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 23% of world imports, ahead of Japan and Hong Kong. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 50% across 97 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $14.0M | 23% |
| Japan | $8.4M | 14% |
| Hong Kong | $7.5M | 12% |
| Vietnam | $5.2M | 8.7% |
| Taiwan | $2.5M | 4.2% |
| Germany | $2.1M | 3.5% |
| South Korea | $2.0M | 3.4% |
| Singapore | $1.5M | 2.5% |
| United Kingdom | $1.2M | 2.1% |
| France | $1.2M | 2% |
| India | $1.1M | 1.9% |
| China | $972K | 1.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $42.12 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $593.20 per kg and China $10.36 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 0106.20: Reptiles: live (including snakes and turtles). HS 0106 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most live reptiles?
China exported $7.8 million in 2024, 13% of the world total, followed by the United States (9%) and Germany (9%). In all, 102 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most live reptiles?
The United States imported $14.0 million in 2024, 23% of world imports, ahead of Japan (14%) and Hong Kong (12%). The top three importers together take 50%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in live reptiles?
It was worth $60.1 million in 2024, about 1.4 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 18% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $75.0 million. 102 countries reported exports and 97 reported imports.
What is the average price of live reptiles per kg?
The world average declared value was about $42.12 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $593.20 per kg and China $10.36 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 live reptiles?
The HS code for live reptiles is subheading 0106.20, in chapter 01 (animals; live). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 0106 page.
How can I find live reptiles 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.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.