Higher fatty alcohols imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $3.5 million of higher fatty alcohols in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 9% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $8.3 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 | $3.5M | 1.4K t |
| 2023 | $3.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $8.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2021 | $4.7M | 2.2K t |
| 2020 | $3.6M | 2.1K t |
| 2019 | $4.9M | 2.9K t |
| 2018 | $8.3M | 3.5K t |
| 2017 | $4.2M | 2.3K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports higher fatty alcohols from
The largest suppliers were Indonesia (40%), Germany (34%), France (10%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+478% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $1.4M | 40% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 34% |
| France | $356K | 10% |
| Malaysia | $219K | 6.2% |
| Philippines | $97K | 2.7% |
| India | $73K | 2.1% |
| United States | $68K | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $39K | 1.1% |
| China | $28K | 0.8% |
| Senegal | $26K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.50 per kg, 36% above the world average of $1.84. 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.
Higher fatty alcohols exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $1.7 million of higher fatty alcohols in 2024 (378 tonnes). Most of it went to France (22%), Ireland (18%), Hong Kong (12%). Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+296% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $370K | 22% |
| Ireland | $311K | 18% |
| Hong Kong | $197K | 12% |
| Poland | $152K | 9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $138K | 8.1% |
| Germany | $85K | 5% |
| Israel | $81K | 4.8% |
| Netherlands | $40K | 2.4% |
| China | $38K | 2.2% |
| Peru | $36K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom higher fatty alcohols imports (HS 2905.17): 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 2905.17: Alcohols: saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol).
Common questions
What is the value of higher fatty alcohols imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported higher fatty alcohols worth $3.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 147 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply higher fatty alcohols to the United Kingdom?
Indonesia was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by Germany (34%) and France (10%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 478% on the year.
What is the average import price of higher fatty alcohols per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.50 per kg in 2024, 36% above the world average of $1.84 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of higher fatty alcohols to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.2 million in 2017 to $3.5 million in 2024, a fall of 16%. The peak was 2018 at $8.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.2 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export higher fatty alcohols?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to France, Ireland and Hong Kong. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for higher fatty alcohols?
The HS code for higher fatty alcohols is subheading 2905.17. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2905 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 higher fatty alcohols trade: top importers and exporters
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