Glass microspheres imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of glass microspheres by the United Kingdom reached $25.4 million in 2024 (10.0 thousand tonnes). It ranks 5th of 175 countries for imports of this product. That is 9% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% 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 | $25.4M | 10.0K t |
| 2023 | $28.0M | 6.0K t |
| 2022 | $24.4M | 3.8K t |
| 2021 | $25.2M | 3.9K t |
| 2020 | $19.2M | 4.5K t |
| 2019 | $13.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2018 | $9.5M | 2.5K t |
| 2017 | $8.0M | 3.1K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports glass microspheres from
Most of the value came from United States (45%), France (37%), China (7%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+207% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $11.5M | 45% |
| France | $9.5M | 37% |
| China | $1.7M | 6.5% |
| Australia | $1.0M | 4% |
| Germany | $1.0M | 4% |
| Austria | $289K | 1.1% |
| Belgium | $182K | 0.7% |
| Tunisia | $67K | 0.3% |
| Kazakhstan | $47K | 0.2% |
| Ireland | $34K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.53 per kg, 146% above the world average of $1.03. 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.
Glass microspheres exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $10.1 million of glass microspheres in 2024 (14.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 10th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 91 countries. Most of it went to Denmark (26%), Sweden (17%), Ireland (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Belgium grew fastest (+86% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | $2.6M | 26% |
| Sweden | $1.7M | 17% |
| Ireland | $1.1M | 11% |
| Norway | $1.1M | 11% |
| India | $914K | 9.1% |
| United States | $523K | 5.2% |
| Italy | $256K | 2.5% |
| Germany | $255K | 2.5% |
| Austria | $246K | 2.4% |
| Belgium | $225K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom glass microspheres imports (HS 7018.20): 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 7018.20: Glass microspheres: not exceeding 1mm in diameter.
Common questions
What is the value of glass microspheres imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported glass microspheres worth $25.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 175 countries worldwide, with 6% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply glass microspheres to the United Kingdom?
The United States was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($11.5 million), followed by France (37%) and China (7%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 207% on the year.
What is the average import price of glass microspheres per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.53 per kg in 2024, 146% above the world average of $1.03 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of glass microspheres to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.0 million in 2017 to $25.4 million in 2024, an increase of 220%. The peak was 2023 at $28.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $19.1 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export glass microspheres?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $10.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Denmark, Sweden and Ireland. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $15.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for glass microspheres?
The HS code for glass microspheres is subheading 7018.20. It sits in HS chapter 70 (glass and glassware). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7018 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
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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