Sorted textile rags imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of sorted textile rags by the United Kingdom reached $6.6 million in 2024 (9.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 18% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $9.2 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 | $6.6M | 9.2K t |
| 2023 | $8.1M | 9.9K t |
| 2022 | $9.2M | 9.7K t |
| 2021 | $5.8M | 7.9K t |
| 2020 | $3.9M | 6.7K t |
| 2019 | $6.0M | 7.3K t |
| 2018 | $5.6M | 7.2K t |
| 2017 | $4.2M | 7.0K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports sorted textile rags from
The largest suppliers were Netherlands (19%), Pakistan (16%), India (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 47%. Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+108% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $1.2M | 19% |
| Pakistan | $1.0M | 16% |
| India | $831K | 13% |
| United States | $460K | 7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $450K | 6.8% |
| China | $414K | 6.3% |
| Turkey | $397K | 6% |
| South Korea | $266K | 4% |
| Belgium | $211K | 3.2% |
| Denmark | $179K | 2.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.71 per kg, close to the world average of $0.61.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Sorted textile rags exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of sorted textile rags by the United Kingdom reached $4.6 million in 2024 (3.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Sweden (25%), Canada (14%), Belgium (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Sweden grew fastest (+103% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | $1.1M | 25% |
| Canada | $643K | 14% |
| Belgium | $558K | 12% |
| Germany | $474K | 10% |
| Poland | $147K | 3.2% |
| South Korea | $140K | 3.1% |
| China | $116K | 2.5% |
| India | $107K | 2.3% |
| United States | $99K | 2.2% |
| France | $90K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom sorted textile rags imports (HS 6310.10): 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 6310.10: Rags: used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials: sorted.
Common questions
What is the value of sorted textile rags imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported sorted textile rags worth $6.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 196 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 18% on 2023.
Which countries supply sorted textile rags to the United Kingdom?
The Netherlands was the largest supplier with 19% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by Pakistan (16%) and India (13%). The top three together account for 47%, out of 41 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 108% on the year.
What is the average import price of sorted textile rags per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.71 per kg in 2024, 16% above the world average of $0.61 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of sorted textile rags to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.2 million in 2017 to $6.6 million in 2024, an increase of 56%. The peak was 2022 at $9.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.2 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export sorted textile rags?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $4.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Sweden, Canada and Belgium. 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 sorted textile rags?
The HS code for sorted textile rags is subheading 6310.10. It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6310 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 sorted textile rags trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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