Salicylic acid trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in salicylic acid was worth $144.4 million in 2024, about 46.1 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 25% since 2017, and down 1% 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 | $144.4M | 46.1K t |
| 2023 | $146.1M | 39.9K t |
| 2022 | $168.3M | 42.5K t |
| 2021 | $162.7M | 46.5K t |
| 2020 | $142.1M | 44.2K t |
| 2019 | $155.5M | 40.9K t |
| 2018 | $166.5M | 50.0K t |
| 2017 | $115.8M | 38.4K t |
Top salicylic acid exporting countries
Exports are led by China (42%), France (22%) and Germany (10%). 70 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 74%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $60.6M | 42% |
| France | $32.0M | 22% |
| Germany | $14.5M | 10% |
| Italy | $10.4M | 7.2% |
| India | $8.0M | 5.6% |
| Mexico | $3.5M | 2.4% |
| Spain | $3.4M | 2.4% |
| United States | $3.1M | 2.1% |
| Netherlands | $1.0M | 0.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $964K | 0.7% |
| South Korea | $783K | 0.5% |
| Hong Kong | $673K | 0.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
India is the biggest buyer with 28% of world imports, ahead of the United States and Germany. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 53% across 161 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $41.2M | 29% |
| United States | $22.6M | 16% |
| Germany | $13.0M | 9% |
| Mexico | $6.5M | 4.5% |
| Thailand | $4.6M | 3.2% |
| Japan | $4.1M | 2.9% |
| Canada | $3.5M | 2.4% |
| Netherlands | $3.3M | 2.3% |
| France | $3.0M | 2.1% |
| Italy | $3.0M | 2.1% |
| Brazil | $2.9M | 2% |
| Sweden | $2.7M | 1.8% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.13 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Italy averaged $101.06 per kg and China $1.89 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?
The shipment records behind Salicylic acid (HS 2918.21) 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 2918.21: Acids: carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), salicylic acid and its salts. HS 2918 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most salicylic acid?
China exported $60.6 million in 2024, 42% of the world total, followed by France (22%) and Germany (10%). In all, 70 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most salicylic acid?
India imported $41.2 million in 2024, 28% of world imports, ahead of the United States (16%) and Germany (9%). The top three importers together take 53%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in salicylic acid?
It was worth $144.4 million in 2024, about 46.1 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 25% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $168.3 million. 70 countries reported exports and 161 reported imports.
What is the average price of salicylic acid per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.13 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Italy averaged $101.06 per kg and China $1.89 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 salicylic acid?
The HS code for salicylic acid is subheading 2918.21, in chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 2918 page.
How can I find salicylic acid buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of salicylic acid by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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