Carboxymethyl cellulose imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $15.8 million of carboxymethyl cellulose in 2024 (3.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 14% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $23.2 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 | $15.8M | 3.4K t |
| 2023 | $18.4M | 3.6K t |
| 2022 | $23.2M | 5.6K t |
| 2021 | $13.5M | 4.3K t |
| 2020 | $17.9M | 6.6K t |
| 2019 | $19.6M | 7.3K t |
| 2018 | $21.5M | 7.2K t |
| 2017 | $17.6M | 7.5K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports carboxymethyl cellulose from
The largest suppliers were France (30%), Finland (25%), Germany (9%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+65% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $4.7M | 30% |
| Finland | $4.0M | 25% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 9.1% |
| China | $1.3M | 8% |
| Netherlands | $1.0M | 6.4% |
| Turkey | $727K | 4.6% |
| Italy | $635K | 4% |
| Brazil | $558K | 3.5% |
| Belgium | $375K | 2.4% |
| Taiwan | $286K | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.63 per kg, 37% above the world average of $3.39. 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.
Carboxymethyl cellulose exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $1.1 million of carboxymethyl cellulose in 2024 (119 tonnes). Most of it went to Switzerland (13%), Nigeria (12%), Germany (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 38%. Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+173% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $140K | 13% |
| Nigeria | $131K | 13% |
| Germany | $128K | 12% |
| Netherlands | $113K | 11% |
| Ireland | $111K | 11% |
| United States | $85K | 8.1% |
| Morocco | $65K | 6.1% |
| France | $44K | 4.2% |
| Italy | $36K | 3.4% |
| Turkey | $31K | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom carboxymethyl cellulose imports (HS 3912.31): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3912.31: Cellulose ethers: carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of carboxymethyl cellulose imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported carboxymethyl cellulose worth $15.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 172 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply carboxymethyl cellulose to the United Kingdom?
France was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($4.7 million), followed by Finland (25%) and Germany (9%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 27 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 65% on the year.
What is the average import price of carboxymethyl cellulose per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.63 per kg in 2024, 37% above the world average of $3.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of carboxymethyl cellulose to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.6 million in 2017 to $15.8 million in 2024, a fall of 10%. The peak was 2022 at $23.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $18.4 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export carboxymethyl cellulose?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Switzerland, Nigeria and Germany. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $14.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for carboxymethyl cellulose?
The HS code for carboxymethyl cellulose is subheading 3912.31. 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?
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.
Same product, other countries
World carboxymethyl cellulose trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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