Paper finishing agent trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in paper finishing agent was worth $1.01 billion in 2024, about 967.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 12% since 2017, and up 6% 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 | $1.01B | 967.3K t |
| 2023 | $947.9M | 864.2K t |
| 2022 | $1.08B | 1.08M t |
| 2021 | $1.02B | 916.4K t |
| 2020 | $894.6M | 1.44M t |
| 2019 | $937.6M | 1.59M t |
| 2018 | $986.9M | 1.29M t |
| 2017 | $897.6M | 1.28M t |
Top paper finishing agent exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 15% of world exports, followed by China and Germany. The top three supply 36% between them, out of 91 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $147.1M | 15% |
| China | $108.3M | 11% |
| Germany | $105.8M | 11% |
| Norway | $69.7M | 6.9% |
| Austria | $62.0M | 6.2% |
| Canada | $47.8M | 4.7% |
| Finland | $41.0M | 4.1% |
| Netherlands | $37.2M | 3.7% |
| Spain | $36.6M | 3.6% |
| Sweden | $35.7M | 3.5% |
| Poland | $34.8M | 3.5% |
| Italy | $34.5M | 3.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Germany (11%), China (7%) and the United States (6%). 160 countries imported it, and the top three take 25% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $113.4M | 11% |
| China | $74.2M | 7.4% |
| United States | $61.3M | 6.1% |
| Indonesia | $60.3M | 6% |
| Sweden | $50.4M | 5% |
| Finland | $40.3M | 4% |
| France | $39.6M | 3.9% |
| Canada | $36.9M | 3.7% |
| Poland | $30.4M | 3% |
| Netherlands | $30.1M | 3% |
| Italy | $26.3M | 2.6% |
| Mexico | $26.3M | 2.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.04 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $2.95 per kg and the Netherlands $0.26 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 Paper finishing agent (HS 3809.92) 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 3809.92: Finishing agents and dye carriers: to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the paper industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances). HS 3809 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most paper finishing agent?
The United States exported $147.1 million in 2024, 15% of the world total, followed by China (11%) and Germany (10%). In all, 91 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most paper finishing agent?
Germany imported $113.4 million in 2024, 11% of world imports, ahead of China (7%) and the United States (6%). The top three importers together take 25%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in paper finishing agent?
It was worth $1.01 billion in 2024, about 967.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 12% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $1.08 billion. 91 countries reported exports and 160 reported imports.
What is the average price of paper finishing agent per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.04 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $2.95 per kg and the Netherlands $0.26 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 paper finishing agent?
The HS code for paper finishing agent is subheading 3809.92, in chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 3809 page.
How can I find paper finishing agent buyers and suppliers?
Company names sit below these country totals: EximDataX reads the customs records shipment by shipment, with dates and values. We can show paper finishing agent buyers and suppliers on a short call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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