Whey protein trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in whey protein was worth $178.0 million in 2024, about 20.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 61% since 2017, and up 9% 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 | $178.0M | 20.2K t |
| 2023 | $162.7M | 18.1K t |
| 2022 | $165.1M | 16.5K t |
| 2021 | $166.6M | 20.3K t |
| 2020 | $140.5M | 12.4K t |
| 2019 | $154.7M | 17.2K t |
| 2018 | $133.7M | 16.5K t |
| 2017 | $110.4M | 17.3K t |
Top whey protein exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 25% of world exports, followed by the United Kingdom and Belgium. The top three supply 56% between them, out of 68 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $43.9M | 25% |
| United Kingdom | $34.5M | 19% |
| Belgium | $21.7M | 12% |
| Germany | $17.6M | 9.9% |
| France | $10.0M | 5.6% |
| Netherlands | $9.8M | 5.5% |
| New Zealand | $8.4M | 4.7% |
| Spain | $5.6M | 3.2% |
| Australia | $4.0M | 2.3% |
| China | $3.5M | 1.9% |
| Lithuania | $2.4M | 1.4% |
| Uruguay | $2.1M | 1.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Germany (14%), the United States (14%) and France (6%). 147 countries imported it, and the top three take 34% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $24.6M | 14% |
| United States | $24.2M | 14% |
| France | $11.4M | 6.4% |
| China | $11.3M | 6.4% |
| United Kingdom | $10.0M | 5.6% |
| Chile | $9.9M | 5.6% |
| Spain | $8.8M | 5% |
| Poland | $5.9M | 3.3% |
| Japan | $5.1M | 2.9% |
| Netherlands | $5.1M | 2.9% |
| Austria | $4.8M | 2.7% |
| Sweden | $4.2M | 2.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $8.81 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $70.77 per kg and Belgium $2.13 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 Whey protein (HS 3502.90) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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 3502.90: Albumins, albuminates and other albumin derivatives: other than egg or milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins. HS 3502 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most whey protein?
The United States exported $43.9 million in 2024, 25% of the world total, followed by the United Kingdom (19%) and Belgium (12%). In all, 68 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most whey protein?
Germany imported $24.6 million in 2024, 14% of world imports, ahead of the United States (14%) and France (6%). The top three importers together take 34%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in whey protein?
It was worth $178.0 million in 2024, about 20.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 61% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 68 countries reported exports and 147 reported imports.
What is the average price of whey protein per kg?
The world average declared value was about $8.81 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $70.77 per kg and Belgium $2.13 per kg, so grade and origin matter. Read it as a benchmark: it blends all grades, origins and contract terms.
What is the HS code for whey protein?
The HS code for whey protein is subheading 3502.90, in chapter 35 (albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 3502 page.
How can I find whey protein buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of whey protein by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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