Cellulose ethers (other) imports in Saudi Arabia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of cellulose ethers (other) by Saudi Arabia reached $53.8 million in 2024 (12.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value fell 15% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $53.8M | 12.9K t |
| 2023 | $63.4M | 10.1K t |
| 2022 | $62.6M | 11.5K t |
| 2021 | $58.0M | 12.0K t |
| 2020 | $42.7M | 8.9K t |
| 2019 | $36.5M | 7.9K t |
| 2018 | $33.3M | 7.0K t |
| 2017 | $29.8M | 6.7K t |
Where Saudi Arabia imports cellulose ethers (other) from
Most of the value came from Germany (38%), China (25%), Sweden (15%). Among the main suppliers, South Korea grew fastest (+82% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $20.3M | 38% |
| China | $13.7M | 25% |
| Sweden | $8.0M | 15% |
| United States | $3.5M | 6.4% |
| South Korea | $3.3M | 6.1% |
| Belgium | $2.4M | 4.4% |
| Netherlands | $1.7M | 3.2% |
| Ireland | $372K | 0.7% |
| Japan | $180K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $161K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.17 per kg, 32% below the world average of $6.16, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cellulose ethers (other) exports from Saudi Arabia
In 2024, Saudi Arabia exported cellulose ethers (other) worth $688 thousand (76 tonnes). Most of it went to Bahrain (46%), Brazil (23%), United Arab Emirates (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Bahrain grew fastest (+44% on the year before).
Who is behind these numbers in Saudi Arabia?
The shipment records behind Saudi Arabia cellulose ethers (other) imports (HS 3912.39): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 3912.39: Cellulose ethers: (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of cellulose ethers (other) imported by Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia imported cellulose ethers (other) worth $53.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 183 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply cellulose ethers (other) to Saudi Arabia?
Germany was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($20.3 million), followed by China (25%) and Sweden (15%). The top three together account for 78%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 82% on the year.
What is the average import price of cellulose ethers (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.17 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $6.16 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of cellulose ethers (other) to Saudi Arabia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $29.8 million in 2017 to $53.8 million in 2024, an increase of 81%. The peak was 2023 at $63.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $47.5 million a year.
Does Saudi Arabia also export cellulose ethers (other)?
Yes. Saudi Arabia exported $688 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Bahrain, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates. On balance Saudi Arabia is a net importer of this product, by about $53.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for cellulose ethers (other)?
The HS code for cellulose ethers (other) is subheading 3912.39. 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?
For Saudi Arabia, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World cellulose ethers (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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