Opium alkaloids exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of opium alkaloids by the United Kingdom reached $80.7 million in 2024 (67 tonnes). It ranks 2nd of 50 countries for exports of this product. That is 19% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $141.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $80.7M | 67 t |
| 2023 | $99.1M | 82 t |
| 2022 | $85.1M | 52 t |
| 2021 | $97.4M | 60 t |
| 2020 | $112.9M | 105 t |
| 2019 | $114.9M | 84 t |
| 2018 | $141.8M | 125 t |
| 2017 | $124.3M | 91 t |
Where the United Kingdom exports opium alkaloids to
The largest buyer markets were United States (37%), Switzerland (9%), Germany (8%). Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $30.0M | 37% |
| Switzerland | $7.7M | 9.5% |
| Germany | $6.3M | 7.8% |
| Hungary | $6.3M | 7.8% |
| China | $5.8M | 7.2% |
| Brazil | $4.1M | 5% |
| Austria | $3.5M | 4.3% |
| France | $2.9M | 3.6% |
| South Korea | $2.7M | 3.4% |
| India | $2.3M | 2.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1,209.24 per kg, 149% above the world average of $485.56. 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.
Opium alkaloids imports to the United Kingdom
Imports of opium alkaloids by the United Kingdom reached $45.2 million in 2024 (97 tonnes). It ranks 2nd of 141 countries for imports of this product. The largest suppliers were Australia (42%), Spain (28%), United States (12%). Among the main suppliers, Norway grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $18.9M | 42% |
| Spain | $12.7M | 28% |
| United States | $5.3M | 12% |
| Italy | $5.0M | 11% |
| Norway | $1.8M | 4.1% |
| Slovakia | $503K | 1.1% |
| Belgium | $488K | 1.1% |
| Germany | $345K | 0.8% |
| Austria | $110K | 0.2% |
| Switzerland | $29K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom opium alkaloids exports (HS 2939.11): 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 2939.11: Alkaloids: of opium and their derivatives: salts thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of opium alkaloids exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported opium alkaloids worth $80.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 67 tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 50 countries worldwide, with 21% of world exports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries buy opium alkaloids from the United Kingdom?
The United States was the largest buyer with 37% of the value ($30.0 million), followed by Switzerland (9%) and Germany (8%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 68 buyer countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 287% on the year.
What is the average export price of opium alkaloids per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1,209.24 per kg in 2024, 149% above the world average of $485.56 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of opium alkaloids from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $124.3 million in 2017 to $80.7 million in 2024, a fall of 35%. The peak was 2018 at $141.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $107.0 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import opium alkaloids?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $45.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Australia, Spain and the United States. On balance the United Kingdom is a net exporter of this product, by about $35.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for opium alkaloids?
The HS code for opium alkaloids is subheading 2939.11. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2939 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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