Retail laundry detergent imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported retail laundry detergent worth $1.22 billion (586.2 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 225 countries. That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $1.22B | 586.2K t |
| 2023 | $1.23B | 547.4K t |
| 2022 | $1.05B | 552.6K t |
| 2021 | $1.10B | 604.8K t |
| 2020 | $1.04B | 602.8K t |
| 2019 | $874.4M | 537.0K t |
| 2018 | $802.0M | 464.9K t |
| 2017 | $758.2M | 500.5K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports retail laundry detergent from
Most of the value came from France (31%), Spain (14%), Poland (13%). Among the main suppliers, Hungary grew fastest (+68% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $377.0M | 31% |
| Spain | $174.7M | 14% |
| Poland | $159.3M | 13% |
| Belgium | $155.2M | 13% |
| Italy | $101.1M | 8.3% |
| Netherlands | $60.4M | 4.9% |
| Germany | $55.2M | 4.5% |
| Czech Republic | $23.4M | 1.9% |
| Hungary | $22.1M | 1.8% |
| China | $22.0M | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.09 per kg, 27% above the world average of $1.65. 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.
Retail laundry detergent exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $707.7 million of retail laundry detergent in 2024 (416.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 4%. Most of it went to France (25%), Ireland (15%), Belgium (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $178.6M | 25% |
| Ireland | $109.5M | 16% |
| Belgium | $60.6M | 8.6% |
| Netherlands | $59.0M | 8.3% |
| Germany | $55.5M | 7.9% |
| Spain | $51.8M | 7.3% |
| Sweden | $23.5M | 3.3% |
| United States | $20.6M | 2.9% |
| Greece | $17.2M | 2.4% |
| Portugal | $15.5M | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom retail laundry detergent imports (HS 3402.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 3402.20: Washing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of retail laundry detergent imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported retail laundry detergent worth $1.22 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 586.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 225 countries worldwide, with 6% of world imports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply retail laundry detergent to the United Kingdom?
France was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($377.0 million), followed by Spain (14%) and Poland (13%). The top three together account for 58%, out of 61 supplier countries in total. Hungary grew fastest among the top ten, up 68% on the year.
What is the average import price of retail laundry detergent per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.09 per kg in 2024, 27% above the world average of $1.65 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of retail laundry detergent to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $758.2 million in 2017 to $1.22 billion in 2024, an increase of 62%. The peak was 2023 at $1.23 billion. Over 8 years the average was $1.01 billion a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export retail laundry detergent?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $707.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to France, Ireland and Belgium. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $517.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for retail laundry detergent?
The HS code for retail laundry detergent is subheading 3402.20. It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3402 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
World retail laundry detergent trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.