Lactic acid imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of lactic acid by the United Kingdom reached $17.2 million in 2024 (6.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 14% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $17.2M | 6.1K t |
| 2023 | $15.1M | 5.3K t |
| 2022 | $18.4M | 7.2K t |
| 2021 | $11.4M | 4.9K t |
| 2020 | $12.9M | 6.8K t |
| 2019 | $13.6M | 6.7K t |
| 2018 | $12.8M | 6.2K t |
| 2017 | $12.0M | 6.3K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports lactic acid from
Most of the value came from Netherlands (47%), China (14%), Spain (12%). Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+85% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $8.1M | 47% |
| China | $2.4M | 14% |
| Spain | $2.1M | 12% |
| Belgium | $1.5M | 8.7% |
| France | $1.3M | 7.3% |
| Ireland | $679K | 3.9% |
| Thailand | $231K | 1.3% |
| Germany | $201K | 1.2% |
| Japan | $163K | 0.9% |
| United States | $140K | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.82 per kg, 42% above the world average of $1.99. 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.
Lactic acid exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $4.3 million of lactic acid in 2024 (921 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 0%. Most of it went to Netherlands (23%), Switzerland (22%), France (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Spain grew fastest (+656% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $981K | 23% |
| Switzerland | $951K | 22% |
| France | $618K | 15% |
| Ireland | $286K | 6.7% |
| United States | $278K | 6.5% |
| Italy | $122K | 2.9% |
| Indonesia | $118K | 2.8% |
| Canada | $114K | 2.7% |
| Portugal | $106K | 2.5% |
| Spain | $100K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom lactic acid imports (HS 2918.11): 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 2918.11: Acids: carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), lactic acid, its salts and esters.
Common questions
What is the value of lactic acid imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported lactic acid worth $17.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 170 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply lactic acid to the United Kingdom?
The Netherlands was the largest supplier with 47% of the value ($8.1 million), followed by China (14%) and Spain (12%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 290% on the year.
What is the average import price of lactic acid per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.82 per kg in 2024, 42% above the world average of $1.99 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of lactic acid to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.0 million in 2017 to $17.2 million in 2024, an increase of 44%. The peak was 2022 at $18.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $14.2 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export lactic acid?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $4.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Netherlands, Switzerland and France. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $13.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for lactic acid?
The HS code for lactic acid is subheading 2918.11. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2918 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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