Prepared meals trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in prepared meals was worth $648.6 million in 2024, about 172.7 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 30% since 2017, and down 2% 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 | $648.6M | 172.7K t |
| 2023 | $661.9M | 168.9K t |
| 2022 | $634.5M | 190.4K t |
| 2021 | $576.9M | 164.2K t |
| 2020 | $575.3M | 150.9K t |
| 2019 | $558.4M | 161.0K t |
| 2018 | $590.5M | 158.9K t |
| 2017 | $497.7M | 136.6K t |
Top prepared meals exporting countries
Exports are led by Germany (13%), France (11%) and Chile (9%). 155 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 33%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $81.8M | 13% |
| France | $73.4M | 11% |
| Chile | $60.6M | 9.3% |
| Spain | $56.6M | 8.7% |
| Poland | $40.2M | 6.2% |
| Slovakia | $33.4M | 5.2% |
| Italy | $28.7M | 4.4% |
| Netherlands | $27.0M | 4.2% |
| Hungary | $22.6M | 3.5% |
| Austria | $22.3M | 3.4% |
| United Kingdom | $21.0M | 3.2% |
| Czech Republic | $19.1M | 2.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 10% of world imports, ahead of the United Kingdom and Germany. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 28% across 216 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $66.5M | 10% |
| United Kingdom | $58.0M | 8.9% |
| Germany | $57.8M | 8.9% |
| Netherlands | $43.2M | 6.7% |
| Poland | $31.3M | 4.8% |
| Austria | $23.8M | 3.7% |
| Czech Republic | $23.7M | 3.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $19.3M | 3% |
| Canada | $19.2M | 3% |
| Australia | $16.3M | 2.5% |
| Belgium | $16.2M | 2.5% |
| Sweden | $15.5M | 2.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.76 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Slovakia averaged $8.36 per kg and Italy $2.85 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 2104.20: Homogenised composite food preparations. HS 2104 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most prepared meals?
Germany exported $81.8 million in 2024, 13% of the world total, followed by France (11%) and Chile (9%). In all, 155 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most prepared meals?
The United States imported $66.5 million in 2024, 10% of world imports, ahead of the United Kingdom (9%) and Germany (9%). The top three importers together take 28%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in prepared meals?
It was worth $648.6 million in 2024, about 172.7 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 30% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $661.9 million. 155 countries reported exports and 216 reported imports.
What is the average price of prepared meals per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.76 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Slovakia averaged $8.36 per kg and Italy $2.85 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 prepared meals?
The HS code for prepared meals is subheading 2104.20, in chapter 21 (miscellaneous edible preparations). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2104 page.
How can I find prepared meals 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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