Acetic acid exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
The United Kingdom exported $88.0 million of acetic acid in 2024 (111.4 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 99 countries. That is 23% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $181.4 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $88.0M | 111.4K t |
| 2023 | $114.4M | 142.5K t |
| 2022 | $181.4M | 176.8K t |
| 2021 | $85.4M | 148.4K t |
| 2020 | $138.0M | 334.7K t |
| 2019 | $160.6M | 313.0K t |
| 2018 | $174.8M | 297.2K t |
| 2017 | $148.1M | 322.9K t |
Where the United Kingdom exports acetic acid to
Most of it went to Germany (28%), Belgium (14%), Poland (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Switzerland grew fastest (+165% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $24.9M | 28% |
| Belgium | $12.2M | 14% |
| Poland | $11.1M | 13% |
| Netherlands | $7.4M | 8.4% |
| Malaysia | $6.5M | 7.3% |
| Switzerland | $5.1M | 5.8% |
| Spain | $2.4M | 2.8% |
| Norway | $2.1M | 2.4% |
| China | $1.7M | 1.9% |
| Brazil | $1.6M | 1.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.79 per kg, 52% above the world average of $0.52. 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.
Acetic acid imports to the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported acetic acid worth $11.2 million (15.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Most of the value came from Netherlands (31%), United States (24%), China (17%). Among the main suppliers, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+121% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $3.4M | 31% |
| United States | $2.7M | 24% |
| China | $1.9M | 17% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1.4M | 13% |
| Germany | $473K | 4.2% |
| Sweden | $430K | 3.8% |
| Belgium | $254K | 2.3% |
| France | $139K | 1.2% |
| India | $97K | 0.9% |
| Singapore | $89K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom acetic acid exports (HS 2915.21): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 2915.21: Acids: saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids: acetic acid.
Common questions
What is the value of acetic acid exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported acetic acid worth $88.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 111.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 99 countries worldwide, with 4% of world exports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries buy acetic acid from the United Kingdom?
Germany was the largest buyer with 28% of the value ($24.9 million), followed by Belgium (14%) and Poland (13%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 83 buyer countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 165% on the year.
What is the average export price of acetic acid per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.79 per kg in 2024, 52% above the world average of $0.52 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of acetic acid from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $148.1 million in 2017 to $88.0 million in 2024, a fall of 41%. The peak was 2022 at $181.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $136.3 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import acetic acid?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $11.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the Netherlands, the United States and China. On balance the United Kingdom is a net exporter of this product, by about $76.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for acetic acid?
The HS code for acetic acid is subheading 2915.21. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2915 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
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