Saffron imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported saffron worth $6.2 million (75 tonnes). That makes it the 10th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 180 countries. Value rose 16% on 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 | $6.2M | 75 t |
| 2023 | $5.3M | 128 t |
| 2022 | $4.7M | 124 t |
| 2021 | $3.1M | 73 t |
| 2020 | $2.9M | 95 t |
| 2019 | $3.9M | 85 t |
| 2018 | $4.4M | 49 t |
| 2017 | $5.4M | 313 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports saffron from
Most of the value came from Spain (50%), Iran (34%), Afghanistan (5%). Among the main suppliers, Afghanistan grew fastest (+59% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $3.1M | 50% |
| Iran | $2.1M | 34% |
| Afghanistan | $331K | 5.4% |
| France | $239K | 3.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $142K | 2.3% |
| Greece | $70K | 1.1% |
| Ireland | $67K | 1.1% |
| Poland | $37K | 0.6% |
| India | $32K | 0.5% |
| Italy | $22K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $82.03 per kg, 73% below the world average of $309.20, 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.
Saffron exports from the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported saffron worth $222 thousand (2 tonnes). Ireland alone took 51% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+97% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $113K | 51% |
| Netherlands | $49K | 22% |
| United States | $9K | 4.1% |
| France | $7K | 3.2% |
| Canada | $5K | 2.4% |
| Germany | $4K | 1.8% |
| Sweden | $4K | 1.8% |
| Spain | $4K | 1.7% |
| Czech Republic | $3K | 1.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $3K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom saffron imports (HS 0910.20): 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 0910.20: Spices: saffron.
Common questions
What is the value of saffron imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported saffron worth $6.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 75 tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 180 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply saffron to the United Kingdom?
Spain was the largest supplier with 50% of the value ($3.1 million), followed by Iran (34%) and Afghanistan (5%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 195% on the year.
What is the average import price of saffron per kg?
The average declared import value was about $82.03 per kg in 2024, 73% below the world average of $309.20 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of saffron to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.4 million in 2017 to $6.2 million in 2024, an increase of 14%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $4.5 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export saffron?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $222 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ireland, the Netherlands and the United States. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $5.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for saffron?
The HS code for saffron is subheading 0910.20. It sits in HS chapter 09 (coffee, tea, mate and spices). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0910 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United Kingdom reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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