Silica sand trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in silica sand was worth $1.60 billion in 2024, about 28.55 million tonnes. That is an increase of 36% since 2017, and down 15% 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 | $1.60B | 28.55M t |
| 2023 | $1.87B | 34.14M t |
| 2022 | $1.57B | 30.28M t |
| 2021 | $1.47B | 32.25M t |
| 2020 | $1.22B | 28.55M t |
| 2019 | $1.35B | 32.57M t |
| 2018 | $1.43B | 36.19M t |
| 2017 | $1.17B | 26.84M t |
Top silica sand exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (28%), Australia (14%) and Malaysia (7%). 148 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 48%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $449.1M | 28% |
| Australia | $216.4M | 14% |
| Malaysia | $106.5M | 6.7% |
| Germany | $94.7M | 5.9% |
| Belgium | $80.6M | 5.1% |
| Indonesia | $63.6M | 4% |
| China | $58.7M | 3.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $57.8M | 3.6% |
| Egypt | $55.0M | 3.4% |
| Netherlands | $46.3M | 2.9% |
| Vietnam | $39.6M | 2.5% |
| Portugal | $38.9M | 2.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Canada is the biggest buyer with 18% of world imports, ahead of China and Japan. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 39% across 201 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $285.6M | 18% |
| China | $237.6M | 15% |
| Japan | $92.4M | 5.8% |
| Taiwan | $84.1M | 5.3% |
| Germany | $70.6M | 4.4% |
| Italy | $67.0M | 4.2% |
| Turkey | $54.8M | 3.4% |
| South Korea | $48.0M | 3% |
| Mexico | $45.3M | 2.8% |
| Singapore | $41.2M | 2.6% |
| Netherlands | $33.7M | 2.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $31.6M | 2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.06 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, China averaged $0.24 per kg and Malaysia $0.02 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 Silica sand (HS 2505.10) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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 2505.10: Sands: natural, silica and quartz sands, whether or not coloured. HS 2505 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most silica sand?
The United States exported $449.1 million in 2024, 28% of the world total, followed by Australia (14%) and Malaysia (7%). In all, 148 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most silica sand?
Canada imported $285.6 million in 2024, 18% of world imports, ahead of China (15%) and Japan (6%). The top three importers together take 39%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in silica sand?
It was worth $1.60 billion in 2024, about 28.55 million tonnes. That is an increase of 36% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $1.87 billion. 148 countries reported exports and 201 reported imports.
What is the average price of silica sand per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.06 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, China averaged $0.24 per kg and Malaysia $0.02 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 silica sand?
The HS code for silica sand is subheading 2505.10, in chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 2505 page.
How can I find silica sand buyers and suppliers?
Company names sit below these country totals: EximDataX reads the customs records shipment by shipment, with dates and values. We can show silica sand buyers and suppliers on a short call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.