Shells and coral trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in shells and coral was worth $152.4 million in 2024, about 165.4 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 0% since 2017, and down 16% 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 | $152.4M | 165.4K t |
| 2023 | $181.7M | 155.8K t |
| 2022 | $162.0M | 119.0K t |
| 2021 | $163.5M | 138.4K t |
| 2020 | $142.3M | 151.3K t |
| 2019 | $158.9M | 156.9K t |
| 2018 | $159.3M | 151.6K t |
| 2017 | $153.0M | 133.1K t |
Top shells and coral exporting countries
Exports are led by Japan (17%), Indonesia (10%) and Myanmar (7%). 121 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 33%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $25.6M | 17% |
| Indonesia | $14.8M | 9.7% |
| Myanmar | $10.6M | 7% |
| China | $9.6M | 6.3% |
| Vietnam | $7.9M | 5.2% |
| Netherlands | $6.2M | 4.1% |
| Australia | $6.2M | 4.1% |
| Tunisia | $5.5M | 3.6% |
| Turkey | $5.2M | 3.4% |
| United Kingdom | $5.0M | 3.3% |
| India | $4.2M | 2.8% |
| France | $3.4M | 2.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 25% of world imports, ahead of Hong Kong and France. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 47% across 139 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $38.1M | 25% |
| Hong Kong | $20.7M | 14% |
| France | $13.3M | 8.7% |
| United States | $11.8M | 7.7% |
| Vietnam | $8.8M | 5.8% |
| India | $6.6M | 4.3% |
| Japan | $6.3M | 4.1% |
| Germany | $4.5M | 2.9% |
| South Korea | $3.8M | 2.5% |
| Italy | $3.8M | 2.5% |
| Romania | $3.5M | 2.3% |
| Taiwan | $3.2M | 2.1% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.92 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Tunisia averaged $186.67 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.
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 0508: Coral and similar materials, unworked or simply prepared, shells of molluscs, crustaceans or echinoderms and cuttle-bone, not cut to shape powder and waste thereof. HS 0508 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most shells and coral?
Japan exported $25.6 million in 2024, 17% of the world total, followed by Indonesia (10%) and Myanmar (7%). In all, 121 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most shells and coral?
China imported $38.1 million in 2024, 25% of world imports, ahead of Hong Kong (14%) and France (9%). The top three importers together take 47%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in shells and coral?
It was worth $152.4 million in 2024, about 165.4 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 0% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $181.7 million. 121 countries reported exports and 139 reported imports.
What is the average price of shells and coral per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.92 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Tunisia averaged $186.67 per kg and the Netherlands $0.26 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 shells and coral?
The HS code for shells and coral is heading 0508, in chapter 05 (animal originated products; not elsewhere specified or included). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 0508 page.
How can I find shells and coral 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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