Fluorescent brightening agents imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $7.5 million of fluorescent brightening agents in 2024 (1.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 7% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $15.2 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 | $7.5M | 1.5K t |
| 2023 | $8.1M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $12.1M | 2.2K t |
| 2021 | $9.1M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $14.2M | 3.1K t |
| 2019 | $15.2M | 3.1K t |
| 2018 | $14.2M | 4.1K t |
| 2017 | $11.6M | 4.1K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports fluorescent brightening agents from
Most of the value came from Spain (21%), Germany (20%), Switzerland (17%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+60% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $1.6M | 21% |
| Germany | $1.5M | 20% |
| Switzerland | $1.3M | 17% |
| India | $966K | 13% |
| Belgium | $468K | 6.2% |
| United States | $465K | 6.2% |
| China | $387K | 5.1% |
| Italy | $352K | 4.7% |
| France | $198K | 2.6% |
| Netherlands | $97K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.12 per kg, 45% above the world average of $3.54. 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.
Fluorescent brightening agents exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of fluorescent brightening agents by the United Kingdom reached $2.2 million in 2024 (105 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United States (34%), Saudi Arabia (27%), Germany (7%). Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+667% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $727K | 34% |
| Saudi Arabia | $575K | 27% |
| Germany | $142K | 6.6% |
| Ireland | $106K | 4.9% |
| France | $73K | 3.4% |
| Belgium | $69K | 3.2% |
| Switzerland | $40K | 1.9% |
| Turkey | $37K | 1.7% |
| Denmark | $33K | 1.5% |
| Italy | $29K | 1.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom fluorescent brightening agents imports (HS 3204.20): 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 3204.20: Dyes: synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents.
Common questions
What is the value of fluorescent brightening agents imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported fluorescent brightening agents worth $7.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 170 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply fluorescent brightening agents to the United Kingdom?
Spain was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($1.6 million), followed by Germany (20%) and Switzerland (17%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 60% on the year.
What is the average import price of fluorescent brightening agents per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.12 per kg in 2024, 45% above the world average of $3.54 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of fluorescent brightening agents to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.6 million in 2017 to $7.5 million in 2024, a fall of 35%. The peak was 2019 at $15.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.5 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export fluorescent brightening agents?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $2.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Saudi Arabia and Germany. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $5.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for fluorescent brightening agents?
The HS code for fluorescent brightening agents is subheading 3204.20. It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3204 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World fluorescent brightening agents trade: top importers and exporters
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