Refrigerated cargo ships trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in refrigerated cargo ships was worth $140.6 million in 2024, about 36.5 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 49% since 2017, and up 135% 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 | $140.6M | 36.5K t |
| 2023 | $59.8M | 30.7K t |
| 2022 | $68.2M | 7.1K t |
| 2021 | $281.6M | 60.1K t |
| 2020 | $239.3M | 108.9K t |
| 2019 | $447.0M | 184.7K t |
| 2018 | $340.8M | 170.4K t |
| 2017 | $277.6M | 84.9K t |
Top refrigerated cargo ships exporting countries
Exports are led by Japan (62%), Panama (19%) and China (9%). 20 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 90%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $86.9M | 62% |
| Panama | $27.4M | 20% |
| China | $12.1M | 8.6% |
| Cyprus | $5.2M | 3.7% |
| Poland | $3.5M | 2.5% |
| Norway | $3.3M | 2.3% |
| Netherlands | $1.6M | 1.2% |
| India | $149K | 0.1% |
| Australia | $116K | 0.1% |
| Russia | $113K | 0.1% |
| United States | $53K | 0% |
| Fiji | $33K | 0% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Singapore is the biggest buyer with 54% of world imports, ahead of South Korea and Spain. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 86% across 38 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | $76.2M | 54% |
| South Korea | $29.1M | 21% |
| Spain | $15.2M | 11% |
| Thailand | $9.2M | 6.5% |
| Norway | $3.5M | 2.5% |
| Poland | $3.3M | 2.3% |
| Hong Kong | $2.1M | 1.5% |
| Portugal | $1.5M | 1.1% |
| Australia | $149K | 0.1% |
| New Zealand | $87K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $75K | 0.1% |
| Bahamas | $53K | 0% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.86 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $460.67 per kg and China $0.50 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 Refrigerated cargo ships (HS 8901.30) 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 8901.30: Vessels, refrigerated: other than tankers. HS 8901 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most refrigerated cargo ships?
Japan exported $86.9 million in 2024, 62% of the world total, followed by Panama (19%) and China (9%). In all, 20 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most refrigerated cargo ships?
Singapore imported $76.2 million in 2024, 54% of world imports, ahead of South Korea (21%) and Spain (11%). The top three importers together take 86%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in refrigerated cargo ships?
It was worth $140.6 million in 2024, about 36.5 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 49% since 2017. The peak year was 2019 at $447.0 million. 20 countries reported exports and 38 reported imports.
What is the average price of refrigerated cargo ships per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.86 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Japan averaged $460.67 per kg and China $0.50 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 refrigerated cargo ships?
The HS code for refrigerated cargo ships is subheading 8901.30, 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 refrigerated cargo ships buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of refrigerated cargo ships by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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