Ships trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in ships was worth $83.86 billion in 2024, about 32.93 million tonnes. That is an increase of 10% 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 | $83.86B | 32.93M t |
| 2023 | $79.21B | 36.52M t |
| 2022 | $64.80B | 30.15M t |
| 2021 | $72.91B | 31.93M t |
| 2020 | $60.69B | 27.62M t |
| 2019 | $65.23B | 30.64M t |
| 2018 | $71.00B | 23.01M t |
| 2017 | $76.26B | 26.40M t |
Top ships exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 32% of world exports, followed by South Korea and Japan. The top three supply 71% between them, out of 120 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $26.55B | 32% |
| South Korea | $23.91B | 29% |
| Japan | $9.15B | 11% |
| India | $2.69B | 3.2% |
| Italy | $2.50B | 3% |
| Germany | $2.11B | 2.5% |
| Singapore | $1.44B | 1.7% |
| Belgium | $1.25B | 1.5% |
| Finland | $1.24B | 1.5% |
| Denmark | $1.11B | 1.3% |
| Angola | $784.8M | 0.9% |
| Philippines | $731.9M | 0.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Liberia is the biggest buyer with 20% of world imports, ahead of Marshall Isds and Panama. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 38% across 185 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Liberia | $16.72B | 20% |
| Marshall Isds | $7.84B | 9.3% |
| Panama | $7.24B | 8.6% |
| Singapore | $5.80B | 6.9% |
| Malta | $5.09B | 6.1% |
| France | $4.16B | 5% |
| Germany | $3.84B | 4.6% |
| Norway | $2.89B | 3.5% |
| South Korea | $2.71B | 3.2% |
| Denmark | $2.61B | 3.1% |
| Bermuda | $1.92B | 2.3% |
| United Kingdom | $1.39B | 1.7% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $2.55 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Italy averaged $10.80 per kg and Belgium $0.81 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 8901: Cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry-boats, cargo ships, barges and similar vessels for the transport of persons or goods. HS 8901 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most ships?
China exported $26.55 billion in 2024, 32% of the world total, followed by South Korea (29%) and Japan (11%). In all, 120 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most ships?
Liberia imported $16.72 billion in 2024, 20% of world imports, ahead of Marshall Isds (9%) and Panama (9%). The top three importers together take 38%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in ships?
It was worth $83.86 billion in 2024, about 32.93 million tonnes. That is an increase of 10% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 120 countries reported exports and 185 reported imports.
What is the average price of ships per kg?
The world average declared value was about $2.55 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Italy averaged $10.80 per kg and Belgium $0.81 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 ships?
The HS code for ships is heading 8901, in chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 8901 page.
How can I find ships 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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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