Match trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in match was worth $173.8 million in 2024, about 82.8 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 8% since 2017, and down 13% 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 | $173.8M | 82.8K t |
| 2023 | $198.8M | 99.9K t |
| 2022 | $202.3M | 113.1K t |
| 2021 | $203.9M | 104.6K t |
| 2020 | $171.2M | 92.9K t |
| 2019 | $175.9M | 92.7K t |
| 2018 | $187.9M | 96.4K t |
| 2017 | $189.7M | 101.9K t |
Top match exporting countries
India is the largest exporter with 28% of world exports, followed by Sweden and Kenya. The top three supply 50% between them, out of 103 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $49.2M | 28% |
| Sweden | $24.9M | 14% |
| Kenya | $11.9M | 6.9% |
| China | $10.4M | 6% |
| South Africa | $9.2M | 5.3% |
| Indonesia | $7.6M | 4.4% |
| Brazil | $7.4M | 4.3% |
| Pakistan | $6.5M | 3.8% |
| Guatemala | $6.1M | 3.5% |
| Germany | $5.2M | 3% |
| Russia | $4.6M | 2.7% |
| Chile | $4.2M | 2.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 7% of world imports, ahead of Nigeria and Tanzania. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 18% across 196 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $11.5M | 6.6% |
| Nigeria | $10.1M | 5.8% |
| Tanzania | $10.0M | 5.8% |
| Germany | $8.6M | 5% |
| Angola | $6.1M | 3.5% |
| Ghana | $5.8M | 3.3% |
| United Kingdom | $5.4M | 3.1% |
| France | $5.4M | 3.1% |
| Mozambique | $5.4M | 3.1% |
| Bolivia | $4.9M | 2.8% |
| Portugal | $4.5M | 2.6% |
| Afghanistan | $4.0M | 2.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $2.10 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Sweden averaged $4.97 per kg and Pakistan $0.70 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 3605: Matches; other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604. HS 3605 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most match?
India exported $49.2 million in 2024, 28% of the world total, followed by Sweden (14%) and Kenya (7%). In all, 103 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most match?
The United States imported $11.5 million in 2024, 7% of world imports, ahead of Nigeria (6%) and Tanzania (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 match?
It was worth $173.8 million in 2024, about 82.8 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 8% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $203.9 million. 103 countries reported exports and 196 reported imports.
What is the average price of match per kg?
The world average declared value was about $2.10 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Sweden averaged $4.97 per kg and Pakistan $0.70 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 match?
The HS code for match is heading 3605, in chapter 36 (explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 3605 page.
How can I find match 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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