Medical needles trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in medical needles was worth $3.77 billion in 2024, about 96.4 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 39% 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 | $3.77B | 96.4K t |
| 2023 | $3.90B | 87.9K t |
| 2022 | $3.76B | 98.5K t |
| 2021 | $3.74B | 90.5K t |
| 2020 | $3.19B | 82.7K t |
| 2019 | $3.34B | 83.4K t |
| 2018 | $2.99B | 77.4K t |
| 2017 | $2.72B | 67.5K t |
Top medical needles exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (14%), China (10%) and Ireland (10%). 129 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 34%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $532.7M | 14% |
| China | $375.3M | 9.9% |
| Ireland | $373.4M | 9.9% |
| Mexico | $307.3M | 8.1% |
| Japan | $290.8M | 7.7% |
| Germany | $267.2M | 7.1% |
| Thailand | $128.6M | 3.4% |
| South Korea | $117.0M | 3.1% |
| Poland | $111.0M | 2.9% |
| Belgium | $106.9M | 2.8% |
| United Kingdom | $101.5M | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $96.7M | 2.6% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 18% of world imports, ahead of China and Germany. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 36% across 211 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $674.1M | 18% |
| China | $403.3M | 11% |
| Germany | $290.6M | 7.7% |
| Mexico | $259.5M | 6.9% |
| Netherlands | $195.0M | 5.2% |
| Belgium | $143.0M | 3.8% |
| Spain | $117.4M | 3.1% |
| Japan | $110.6M | 2.9% |
| France | $96.0M | 2.5% |
| Canada | $88.4M | 2.3% |
| Italy | $86.1M | 2.3% |
| Poland | $85.7M | 2.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $39.17 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $110.44 per kg and China $12.62 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?
The shipment records behind Medical needles (HS 9018.32) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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 9018.32: Medical, surgical instruments and appliances: tubular metal needles and needles for sutures. HS 9018 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most medical needles?
The United States exported $532.7 million in 2024, 14% of the world total, followed by China (10%) and Ireland (10%). In all, 129 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most medical needles?
The United States imported $674.1 million in 2024, 18% of world imports, ahead of China (11%) and Germany (8%). The top three importers together take 36%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in medical needles?
It was worth $3.77 billion in 2024, about 96.4 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 39% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $3.90 billion. 129 countries reported exports and 211 reported imports.
What is the average price of medical needles per kg?
The world average declared value was about $39.17 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $110.44 per kg and China $12.62 per kg, so grade and origin matter. Read it as a benchmark: it blends all grades, origins and contract terms.
What is the HS code for medical needles?
The HS code for medical needles is subheading 9018.32, in chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 9018 page.
How can I find medical needles buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of medical needles by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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.