Photography chemical trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in photography chemical was worth $6.42 billion in 2024, about 237.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 3% 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
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.42B | 237.3K t |
| 2023 | $6.04B | 241.7K t |
| 2022 | $6.71B | 272.1K t |
| 2021 | $6.98B | 264.4K t |
| 2020 | $6.15B | 244.5K t |
| 2019 | $6.43B | 302.1K t |
| 2018 | $6.34B | 297.6K t |
| 2017 | $6.20B | 313.5K t |
Top photography chemical exporting countries
Exports are led by Japan (56%), South Korea (11%) and the United States (9%). 124 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 76%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $3.60B | 56% |
| South Korea | $700.9M | 11% |
| United States | $547.5M | 8.5% |
| Taiwan | $361.7M | 5.6% |
| China | $236.3M | 3.7% |
| Belgium | $232.9M | 3.6% |
| Germany | $173.0M | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $125.2M | 2% |
| France | $95.7M | 1.5% |
| Spain | $45.0M | 0.7% |
| Hungary | $35.3M | 0.6% |
| Singapore | $33.8M | 0.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 34% of world imports, ahead of Taiwan and South Korea. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 58% across 211 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.19B | 34% |
| Taiwan | $1.01B | 16% |
| South Korea | $506.5M | 7.9% |
| United States | $494.2M | 7.7% |
| United Kingdom | $235.7M | 3.7% |
| Germany | $234.4M | 3.7% |
| France | $211.0M | 3.3% |
| Singapore | $105.7M | 1.7% |
| Belgium | $101.3M | 1.6% |
| Hong Kong | $98.2M | 1.5% |
| Vietnam | $94.6M | 1.5% |
| Ireland | $80.5M | 1.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $27.04 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $51.37 per kg and China $7.51 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 3707: Chemical preparations for photographic uses (other than varnishes, glues, adhesives and similar preparations); unmixed products for photographic uses, put up in measured portions or for retail sale. HS 3707 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most photography chemical?
Japan exported $3.60 billion in 2024, 56% of the world total, followed by South Korea (11%) and the United States (9%). In all, 124 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most photography chemical?
China imported $2.19 billion in 2024, 34% of world imports, ahead of Taiwan (16%) and South Korea (8%). The top three importers together take 58%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in photography chemical?
It was worth $6.42 billion in 2024, about 237.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 3% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $6.98 billion. 124 countries reported exports and 211 reported imports.
What is the average price of photography chemical per kg?
The world average declared value was about $27.04 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $51.37 per kg and China $7.51 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 photography chemical?
The HS code for photography chemical is heading 3707, in chapter 37 (photographic or cinematographic goods). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 3707 page.
How can I find photography chemical 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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