Memory chips trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in memory chips was worth $202.33 billion in 2024, about 37.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 40% since 2017, and up 32% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $202.33B | 37.8K t |
| 2023 | $152.87B | 45.7K t |
| 2022 | $191.76B | 54.4K t |
| 2021 | $205.78B | 64.8K t |
| 2020 | $155.93B | 99.9K t |
| 2019 | $145.49B | 63.1K t |
| 2018 | $177.09B | 175.5K t |
| 2017 | $144.99B | 76.5K t |
Top memory chips exporting countries
Exports are led by South Korea (37%), China (28%) and Taiwan (14%). 156 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 79%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $75.84B | 38% |
| China | $56.16B | 28% |
| Taiwan | $27.79B | 14% |
| Singapore | $14.64B | 7.2% |
| Japan | $14.57B | 7.2% |
| Malaysia | $5.38B | 2.7% |
| United States | $1.81B | 0.9% |
| Hong Kong | $1.61B | 0.8% |
| Philippines | $868.8M | 0.4% |
| Vietnam | $839.9M | 0.4% |
| Thailand | $761.7M | 0.4% |
| Germany | $688.9M | 0.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are China (24%), Hong Kong (21%) and Taiwan (17%). 198 countries imported it, and the top three take 62% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $47.86B | 24% |
| Hong Kong | $43.39B | 21% |
| Taiwan | $34.31B | 17% |
| South Korea | $19.78B | 9.8% |
| Vietnam | $16.60B | 8.2% |
| Singapore | $12.89B | 6.4% |
| Malaysia | $10.33B | 5.1% |
| India | $3.99B | 2% |
| Japan | $2.42B | 1.2% |
| United States | $1.76B | 0.9% |
| Brazil | $1.20B | 0.6% |
| Mexico | $967.4M | 0.5% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $5,353.01 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Hong Kong averaged $15,379.59 per kg and the United States $2,295.22 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 Memory chips (HS 8542.32) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 8542.32: Electronic integrated circuits: memories. HS 8542 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most memory chips?
South Korea exported $75.84 billion in 2024, 37% of the world total, followed by China (28%) and Taiwan (14%). In all, 156 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most memory chips?
China imported $47.86 billion in 2024, 24% of world imports, ahead of Hong Kong (21%) and Taiwan (17%). The top three importers together take 62%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in memory chips?
It was worth $202.33 billion in 2024, about 37.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 40% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $205.78 billion. 156 countries reported exports and 198 reported imports.
What is the average price of memory chips per kg?
The world average declared value was about $5,353.01 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Hong Kong averaged $15,379.59 per kg and the United States $2,295.22 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 memory chips?
The HS code for memory chips is subheading 8542.32, 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). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 8542 page.
How can I find memory chips buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of memory chips by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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