Natural abrasives imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported natural abrasives worth $3.2 million (8.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 31% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $4.3 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 | $3.2M | 8.8K t |
| 2023 | $2.4M | 6.4K t |
| 2022 | $2.8M | 7.3K t |
| 2021 | $2.8M | 8.1K t |
| 2020 | $2.4M | 6.9K t |
| 2019 | $4.3M | 12.1K t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 9.6K t |
| 2017 | $4.3M | 12.7K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports natural abrasives from
China alone supplied 70% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+126% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.2M | 70% |
| Turkey | $546K | 17% |
| United States | $101K | 3.2% |
| Australia | $91K | 2.9% |
| India | $88K | 2.8% |
| Netherlands | $26K | 0.8% |
| Germany | $20K | 0.6% |
| Poland | $20K | 0.6% |
| Norway | $15K | 0.5% |
| Belgium | $14K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.36 per kg, 33% above the world average of $0.27. 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.
Natural abrasives exports from the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported natural abrasives worth $1.2 million (801 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (28%), Qatar (15%), Iraq (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Qatar grew fastest (+257% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $343K | 28% |
| Qatar | $184K | 15% |
| Iraq | $102K | 8.4% |
| Sweden | $81K | 6.7% |
| Ireland | $62K | 5.2% |
| Netherlands | $57K | 4.8% |
| Brunei | $43K | 3.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $28K | 2.3% |
| Thailand | $27K | 2.2% |
| Mozambique | $26K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom natural abrasives imports (HS 2513.20): 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 2513.20: Emery, natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives, whether or not heat-treated.
Common questions
What is the value of natural abrasives imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported natural abrasives worth $3.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 186 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 31% on 2023.
Which countries supply natural abrasives to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 70% of the value ($2.2 million), followed by Turkey (17%) and the United States (3%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 531% on the year.
What is the average import price of natural abrasives per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.36 per kg in 2024, 33% above the world average of $0.27 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of natural abrasives to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.3 million in 2017 to $3.2 million in 2024, a fall of 26%. The peak was 2017 at $4.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.2 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export natural abrasives?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Qatar and Iraq. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $2.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for natural abrasives?
The HS code for natural abrasives is subheading 2513.20. It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2513 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
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