Cellulose imports in Egypt: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Egypt imported cellulose worth $95.0 million (21.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $95.0M | 21.2K t |
| 2023 | $92.3M | 20.6K t |
| 2022 | $116.9M | 22.9K t |
| 2021 | $90.4M | 24.8K t |
| 2020 | $71.4M | 21.9K t |
| 2019 | $56.2M | 18.7K t |
| 2018 | $60.0M | 20.1K t |
| 2017 | $49.0M | 15.8K t |
Where Egypt imports cellulose from
The largest suppliers were China (30%), Germany (12%), India (11%). Among the main suppliers, South Korea grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $28.4M | 30% |
| Germany | $11.0M | 12% |
| India | $10.3M | 11% |
| Belgium | $7.1M | 7.5% |
| Netherlands | $6.3M | 6.6% |
| United States | $5.1M | 5.4% |
| Turkey | $4.5M | 4.7% |
| Thailand | $3.6M | 3.8% |
| South Korea | $2.9M | 3.1% |
| Brazil | $2.6M | 2.8% |
Product types under HS 3912
| 3912.39 | Cellulose ethers: (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms | 46% |
| 3912.20 | Cellulose nitrates (including collodions): in primary forms | 19% |
| 3912.90 | Cellulose and its chemical derivatives: n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms | 18% |
| 3912.31 | Cellulose ethers: carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms | 15% |
| 3912.12 | Cellulose acetates: plasticised, in primary forms | 1% |
| 3912.11 | Cellulose acetates: non-plasticised, in primary forms | 0.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3912.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.49 per kg, close to the world average of $4.87.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cellulose exports from Egypt
Egypt exported $2.1 million of cellulose in 2024 (710 tonnes). Spain alone took 76% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Spain grew fastest (+83% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $1.6M | 76% |
| Kuwait | $405K | 19% |
| Libya | $67K | 3.2% |
| Senegal | $25K | 1.2% |
| Qatar | $5K | 0.2% |
| Guinea | $4K | 0.2% |
| Saudi Arabia | $3K | 0.2% |
| South Africa | $3K | 0.2% |
| Chile | $0K | 0% |
| Slovenia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Egypt?
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.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 3912: Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. or included, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of cellulose imported by Egypt?
Egypt imported cellulose worth $95.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 21.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 196 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply cellulose to Egypt?
China was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($28.4 million), followed by Germany (12%) and India (11%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 34 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 37% on the year.
What is the average import price of cellulose per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.49 per kg in 2024, 8% below the world average of $4.87 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of cellulose to Egypt changed since 2017?
Imports went from $49.0 million in 2017 to $95.0 million in 2024, an increase of 94%. The peak was 2022 at $116.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does Egypt also export cellulose?
Yes. Egypt exported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Spain, Kuwait and Libya. On balance Egypt is a net importer of this product, by about $92.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for cellulose?
The HS code for cellulose is heading 3912. In Egypt the largest six-digit codes were 3912.39 (46% of the value) and 3912.20 (19%). It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3912 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds Egypt trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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