Starch finishing agent imports in Saudi Arabia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported starch finishing agent worth $8.9 million (5.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 168 countries. Value rose 12% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 24% 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 | $8.9M | 5.3K t |
| 2023 | $8.0M | 5.9K t |
| 2022 | $9.7M | 4.7K t |
| 2021 | $6.5M | 4.4K t |
| 2020 | $2.1M | 1.0K t |
| 2019 | $1.7M | 814 t |
| 2018 | $574K | 327 t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 945 t |
Where Saudi Arabia imports starch finishing agent from
Most of the value came from India (23%), Germany (13%), Italy (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 49%. Among the main suppliers, Egypt grew fastest (+817% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.0M | 23% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 13% |
| Italy | $1.1M | 13% |
| Egypt | $883K | 9.9% |
| United Kingdom | $786K | 8.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $742K | 8.3% |
| Belgium | $660K | 7.4% |
| China | $491K | 5.5% |
| United States | $360K | 4% |
| Netherlands | $282K | 3.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.68 per kg, 44% above the world average of $1.17. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Starch finishing agent exports from Saudi Arabia
In 2024, Saudi Arabia exported starch finishing agent worth $1.3 million (717 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. United Arab Emirates alone took 66% of it. Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+35% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $866K | 66% |
| Kuwait | $304K | 23% |
| Bahrain | $98K | 7.5% |
| Oman | $39K | 3% |
| Libya | $2K | 0.1% |
| France | $2K | 0.1% |
| Yemen | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Saudi Arabia?
The shipment records behind Saudi Arabia starch finishing agent imports (HS 3809.10): 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 3809.10: Finishing agents and dye carriers: to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in textile, paper, leather etc industries, with basis of amylaceous substances, n.e.c..
Common questions
What is the value of starch finishing agent imported by Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia imported starch finishing agent worth $8.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 168 countries worldwide, with 10% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply starch finishing agent to Saudi Arabia?
India was the largest supplier with 23% of the value ($2.0 million), followed by Germany (13%) and Italy (12%). The top three together account for 49%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. Egypt grew fastest among the top ten, up 817% on the year.
What is the average import price of starch finishing agent per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.68 per kg in 2024, 44% above the world average of $1.17 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of starch finishing agent to Saudi Arabia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $8.9 million in 2024, an increase of 357%. The peak was 2022 at $9.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.9 million a year.
Does Saudi Arabia also export starch finishing agent?
Yes. Saudi Arabia exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain. On balance Saudi Arabia is a net importer of this product, by about $7.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for starch finishing agent?
The HS code for starch finishing agent is subheading 3809.10. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3809 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 starch finishing agent trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for Saudi Arabia
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