Citric acid imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported citric acid worth $14.5 million (22.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 31% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 20% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $23.9 million.
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 | $14.5M | 22.2K t |
| 2023 | $21.0M | 9.8K t |
| 2022 | $23.9M | 13.2K t |
| 2021 | $9.4M | 8.9K t |
| 2020 | $4.9M | 6.8K t |
| 2019 | $4.6M | 7.0K t |
| 2018 | $4.1M | 4.9K t |
| 2017 | $4.2M | 4.7K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports citric acid from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 93% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $13.4M | 93% |
| Ireland | $415K | 2.9% |
| Lebanon | $207K | 1.4% |
| United Kingdom | $127K | 0.9% |
| Germany | $93K | 0.6% |
| Belgium | $76K | 0.5% |
| Turkey | $36K | 0.2% |
| Saudi Arabia | $34K | 0.2% |
| India | $32K | 0.2% |
| Netherlands | $20K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.65 per kg, 42% below the world average of $1.12, 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.
Citric acid exports from the United Arab Emirates
Exports of citric acid by the United Arab Emirates reached $392 thousand in 2024 (487 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were India (29%), Saudi Arabia (19%), Sri Lanka (19%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $115K | 29% |
| Saudi Arabia | $75K | 19% |
| Sri Lanka | $73K | 19% |
| Tanzania | $40K | 10% |
| Zambia | $25K | 6.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $22K | 5.6% |
| Senegal | $19K | 4.9% |
| Qatar | $11K | 2.8% |
| Malawi | $5K | 1.2% |
| New Zealand | $3K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates citric acid imports (HS 2918.14): 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 2918.14: Acids: carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), citric acid.
Common questions
What is the value of citric acid imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported citric acid worth $14.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 22.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 208 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 31% on 2023.
Which countries supply citric acid to the United Arab Emirates?
China was the largest supplier with 93% of the value ($13.4 million), followed by Ireland (3%) and Lebanon (1%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 897% on the year.
What is the average import price of citric acid per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.65 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $1.12 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of citric acid to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.2 million in 2017 to $14.5 million in 2024, an increase of 248%. The peak was 2022 at $23.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.8 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export citric acid?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $392 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to India, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $14.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for citric acid?
The HS code for citric acid is subheading 2918.14. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2918 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for the United Arab Emirates. Tell us your product to see it live.
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