Special purpose vehicles trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in special purpose vehicles was worth $16.98 billion in 2024, about 2.40 million tonnes. That is an increase of 43% since 2017, and down 2% 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 | $16.98B | 2.40M t |
| 2023 | $17.34B | 2.15M t |
| 2022 | $13.24B | 1.74M t |
| 2021 | $12.77B | 2.07M t |
| 2020 | $11.25B | 1.34M t |
| 2019 | $13.94B | 1.79M t |
| 2018 | $13.43B | 1.49M t |
| 2017 | $11.88B | 1.37M t |
Top special purpose vehicles exporting countries
Germany is the largest exporter with 26% of world exports, followed by China and the United States. The top three supply 60% between them, out of 158 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $4.46B | 26% |
| China | $3.59B | 21% |
| United States | $2.16B | 13% |
| Italy | $1.30B | 7.7% |
| Canada | $695.8M | 4.1% |
| France | $443.8M | 2.6% |
| Netherlands | $438.7M | 2.6% |
| Austria | $426.4M | 2.5% |
| United Kingdom | $227.8M | 1.3% |
| Japan | $227.2M | 1.3% |
| Poland | $218.9M | 1.3% |
| Denmark | $218.4M | 1.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 10% of world imports, ahead of Canada and France. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 22% across 217 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.73B | 10% |
| Canada | $1.37B | 8.1% |
| France | $680.9M | 4% |
| Russia | $671.7M | 4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $668.1M | 3.9% |
| Germany | $580.7M | 3.4% |
| Australia | $580.0M | 3.4% |
| United Kingdom | $494.4M | 2.9% |
| Netherlands | $482.5M | 2.8% |
| Mexico | $474.3M | 2.8% |
| Spain | $363.0M | 2.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $361.1M | 2.1% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $7.07 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Austria averaged $18.70 per kg and China $3.66 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 8705: Special purpose motor vehicles; not those for the transport of persons or goods (e.g. breakdown lorries, road sweeper lorries, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units etc). HS 8705 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most special purpose vehicles?
Germany exported $4.46 billion in 2024, 26% of the world total, followed by China (21%) and the United States (13%). In all, 158 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most special purpose vehicles?
The United States imported $1.73 billion in 2024, 10% of world imports, ahead of Canada (8%) and France (4%). The top three importers together take 22%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in special purpose vehicles?
It was worth $16.98 billion in 2024, about 2.40 million tonnes. That is an increase of 43% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $17.34 billion. 158 countries reported exports and 217 reported imports.
What is the average price of special purpose vehicles per kg?
The world average declared value was about $7.07 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Austria averaged $18.70 per kg and China $3.66 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 special purpose vehicles?
The HS code for special purpose vehicles is heading 8705, in chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 8705 page.
How can I find special purpose vehicles 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.
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.