Infant formula imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $253.4 million of infant formula in 2024 (47.5 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 215 countries. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $324.3 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 | $253.4M | 47.5K t |
| 2023 | $249.0M | 38.0K t |
| 2022 | $262.6M | 42.6K t |
| 2021 | $266.3M | 66.9K t |
| 2020 | $324.3M | 68.6K t |
| 2019 | $276.5M | 62.5K t |
| 2018 | $258.8M | 44.6K t |
| 2017 | $234.4M | 37.7K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports infant formula from
Most of the value came from France (26%), Ireland (24%), Netherlands (13%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+99% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $65.2M | 26% |
| Ireland | $60.3M | 24% |
| Netherlands | $34.0M | 13% |
| Spain | $26.0M | 10% |
| Poland | $24.4M | 9.6% |
| Germany | $12.9M | 5.1% |
| Italy | $11.1M | 4.4% |
| Portugal | $8.2M | 3.3% |
| Austria | $7.1M | 2.8% |
| New Zealand | $1.8M | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.34 per kg, 38% below the world average of $8.59, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Infant formula exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of infant formula by the United Kingdom reached $167.6 million in 2024 (9.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. United States alone took 51% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Canada grew fastest (+691% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $84.8M | 51% |
| China | $27.2M | 16% |
| Canada | $15.2M | 9.1% |
| Vietnam | $10.7M | 6.4% |
| Ireland | $8.6M | 5.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $5.0M | 3% |
| Nigeria | $1.4M | 0.8% |
| Kuwait | $1.4M | 0.8% |
| Ghana | $1.3M | 0.8% |
| New Zealand | $971K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom infant formula imports (HS 1901.10): 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 1901.10: Food preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, suitable for infants or young children, put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of infant formula imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported infant formula worth $253.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 47.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 215 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply infant formula to the United Kingdom?
France was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($65.2 million), followed by Ireland (24%) and the Netherlands (13%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 99% on the year.
What is the average import price of infant formula per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.34 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $8.59 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of infant formula to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $234.4 million in 2017 to $253.4 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2020 at $324.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $265.7 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export infant formula?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $167.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, China and Canada. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $85.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for infant formula?
The HS code for infant formula is subheading 1901.10. It sits in HS chapter 19 (preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1901 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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