Staples imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported staples worth $10.8 million (3.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 10th of 209 countries for imports of this product. That is 4% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $15.6 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 | $10.8M | 3.9K t |
| 2023 | $11.3M | 3.7K t |
| 2022 | $13.3M | 4.3K t |
| 2021 | $14.0M | 5.6K t |
| 2020 | $11.7M | 5.8K t |
| 2019 | $13.5M | 5.2K t |
| 2018 | $15.6M | 5.5K t |
| 2017 | $15.0M | 6.1K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports staples from
Most of the value came from China (46%), Italy (10%), Japan (9%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+33% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.0M | 46% |
| Italy | $1.0M | 9.7% |
| Japan | $936K | 8.6% |
| United States | $686K | 6.3% |
| Sweden | $613K | 5.7% |
| Germany | $556K | 5.1% |
| Spain | $386K | 3.6% |
| Austria | $334K | 3.1% |
| Belgium | $303K | 2.8% |
| Ireland | $217K | 2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.78 per kg, 31% above the world average of $2.13. 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.
Staples exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $1.0 million of staples in 2024 (176 tonnes). Most of it went to Netherlands (48%), Ireland (10%), Germany (5%). Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+496% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $490K | 48% |
| Ireland | $100K | 9.8% |
| Germany | $47K | 4.6% |
| Belgium | $44K | 4.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $43K | 4.2% |
| France | $36K | 3.5% |
| Poland | $23K | 2.3% |
| Finland | $23K | 2.3% |
| Norway | $21K | 2% |
| Spain | $17K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom staples imports (HS 8305.20): 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 8305.20: Stationery: staples in strips, (e.g. for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal.
Common questions
What is the value of staples imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported staples worth $10.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 209 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply staples to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($5.0 million), followed by Italy (10%) and Japan (9%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 62% on the year.
What is the average import price of staples per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.78 per kg in 2024, 31% above the world average of $2.13 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of staples to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.0 million in 2017 to $10.8 million in 2024, a fall of 28%. The peak was 2018 at $15.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.2 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export staples?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $1.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Netherlands, Ireland and Germany. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $9.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for staples?
The HS code for staples is subheading 8305.20. It sits in HS chapter 83 (metal; miscellaneous products of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8305 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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