Oil and chemical tankers trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in oil and chemical tankers was worth $19.87 billion in 2024, about 9.15 million tonnes. That is a fall of 32% since 2017, and up 12% 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 | $19.87B | 9.15M t |
| 2023 | $17.67B | 10.22M t |
| 2022 | $21.36B | 11.33M t |
| 2021 | $25.60B | 7.88M t |
| 2020 | $22.26B | 11.39M t |
| 2019 | $26.50B | 11.43M t |
| 2018 | $25.41B | 7.21M t |
| 2017 | $29.04B | 11.24M t |
Top oil and chemical tankers exporting countries
Exports are led by South Korea (32%), China (23%) and India (11%). 72 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 66%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $6.44B | 32% |
| China | $4.52B | 23% |
| India | $2.09B | 11% |
| Japan | $1.36B | 6.9% |
| Belgium | $1.15B | 5.8% |
| Singapore | $446.8M | 2.3% |
| Marshall Isds | $414.9M | 2.1% |
| Thailand | $352.8M | 1.8% |
| Germany | $291.6M | 1.5% |
| Turkey | $257.2M | 1.3% |
| Netherlands | $250.2M | 1.3% |
| Denmark | $203.1M | 1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Singapore (14%), Liberia (12%) and Marshall Isds (9%). 94 countries imported it, and the top three take 34% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | $2.75B | 14% |
| Liberia | $2.30B | 12% |
| Marshall Isds | $1.70B | 8.5% |
| Norway | $1.70B | 8.5% |
| South Korea | $1.42B | 7.2% |
| Panama | $1.32B | 6.7% |
| Greece | $681.8M | 3.4% |
| France | $642.8M | 3.2% |
| Denmark | $626.0M | 3.2% |
| Cyprus | $521.2M | 2.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $487.4M | 2.5% |
| Bermuda | $461.8M | 2.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $2.17 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, India averaged $3.24 per kg and Thailand $0.63 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.
Related product types
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Oil and chemical tankers (HS 8901.20) 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 8901.20: Tankers. HS 8901 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most oil and chemical tankers?
South Korea exported $6.44 billion in 2024, 32% of the world total, followed by China (23%) and India (11%). In all, 72 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most oil and chemical tankers?
Singapore imported $2.75 billion in 2024, 14% of world imports, ahead of Liberia (12%) and Marshall Isds (9%). The top three importers together take 34%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in oil and chemical tankers?
It was worth $19.87 billion in 2024, about 9.15 million tonnes. That is a fall of 32% since 2017. The peak year was 2017 at $29.04 billion. 72 countries reported exports and 94 reported imports.
What is the average price of oil and chemical tankers per kg?
The world average declared value was about $2.17 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, India averaged $3.24 per kg and Thailand $0.63 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 oil and chemical tankers?
The HS code for oil and chemical tankers is subheading 8901.20, in chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 8901 page.
How can I find oil and chemical tankers buyers and suppliers?
The rankings here stop at countries; EximDataX goes down to the companies trading oil and chemical tankers, from direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your markets to see them live.
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