Water-based paint trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in water-based paint was worth $7.51 billion in 2024, about 2.44 million tonnes. That is an increase of 26% 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 | $7.51B | 2.44M t |
| 2023 | $7.57B | 2.40M t |
| 2022 | $7.55B | 2.51M t |
| 2021 | $7.59B | 2.66M t |
| 2020 | $6.45B | 2.45M t |
| 2019 | $6.54B | 2.45M t |
| 2018 | $6.66B | 2.39M t |
| 2017 | $5.98B | 2.30M t |
Top water-based paint exporting countries
Exports are led by Germany (17%), the United States (14%) and Italy (7%). 175 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 39%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.31B | 18% |
| United States | $1.07B | 14% |
| Italy | $508.9M | 6.8% |
| Netherlands | $420.1M | 5.6% |
| France | $380.0M | 5.1% |
| United Kingdom | $289.0M | 3.9% |
| Spain | $258.0M | 3.4% |
| Sweden | $254.2M | 3.4% |
| China | $249.4M | 3.3% |
| Belgium | $227.8M | 3% |
| Austria | $178.3M | 2.4% |
| Japan | $177.3M | 2.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Canada is the biggest buyer with 8% of world imports, ahead of the United States and Germany. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 20% across 225 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $633.7M | 8.4% |
| United States | $430.4M | 5.7% |
| Germany | $407.2M | 5.4% |
| Poland | $345.8M | 4.6% |
| France | $332.2M | 4.4% |
| Mexico | $311.0M | 4.1% |
| China | $289.8M | 3.9% |
| United Kingdom | $254.8M | 3.4% |
| Netherlands | $236.8M | 3.2% |
| Belgium | $227.1M | 3% |
| Czech Republic | $200.1M | 2.7% |
| Italy | $161.4M | 2.2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.08 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $3.76 per kg and Spain $2.58 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
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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 3209: Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium. HS 3209 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most water-based paint?
Germany exported $1.31 billion in 2024, 17% of the world total, followed by the United States (14%) and Italy (7%). In all, 175 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most water-based paint?
Canada imported $633.7 million in 2024, 8% of world imports, ahead of the United States (6%) and Germany (5%). The top three importers together take 20%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in water-based paint?
It was worth $7.51 billion in 2024, about 2.44 million tonnes. That is an increase of 26% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $7.59 billion. 175 countries reported exports and 225 reported imports.
What is the average price of water-based paint per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.08 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $3.76 per kg and Spain $2.58 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 water-based paint?
The HS code for water-based paint is heading 3209, in chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 3209 page.
How can I find water-based paint 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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