Unsorted textile rags imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $4.9 million of unsorted textile rags in 2024 (3.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value fell 5% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $6.9 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 | $4.9M | 3.6K t |
| 2023 | $5.1M | 1.5K t |
| 2022 | $5.1M | 2.4K t |
| 2021 | $3.2M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 1.5K t |
| 2019 | $5.1M | 2.2K t |
| 2018 | $5.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2017 | $6.9M | 2.3K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports unsorted textile rags from
The largest suppliers were China (41%), Ireland (20%), Pakistan (10%). Among the main suppliers, Pakistan grew fastest (+428% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.0M | 41% |
| Ireland | $948K | 20% |
| Pakistan | $478K | 9.8% |
| Dominican Republic | $380K | 7.8% |
| Germany | $184K | 3.8% |
| United States | $137K | 2.8% |
| Tunisia | $104K | 2.1% |
| Netherlands | $100K | 2.1% |
| Czech Republic | $94K | 1.9% |
| Turkey | $57K | 1.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.36 per kg, 157% above the world average of $0.53. 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.
Unsorted textile rags exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $3.9 million of unsorted textile rags in 2024 (9.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. One buyer market dominates: India accounted for 70% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+46% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.7M | 70% |
| Germany | $279K | 7.2% |
| France | $144K | 3.7% |
| Ireland | $92K | 2.4% |
| Italy | $66K | 1.7% |
| Malaysia | $62K | 1.6% |
| Netherlands | $55K | 1.4% |
| Turkey | $43K | 1.1% |
| Lithuania | $40K | 1% |
| Pakistan | $30K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom unsorted textile rags imports (HS 6310.90): 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 6310.90: Rags: used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials: other than sorted.
Common questions
What is the value of unsorted textile rags imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported unsorted textile rags worth $4.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 207 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply unsorted textile rags to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($2.0 million), followed by Ireland (20%) and Pakistan (10%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. Pakistan grew fastest among the top ten, up 428% on the year.
What is the average import price of unsorted textile rags per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.36 per kg in 2024, 157% above the world average of $0.53 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of unsorted textile rags to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.9 million in 2017 to $4.9 million in 2024, a fall of 29%. The peak was 2017 at $6.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.7 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export unsorted textile rags?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $3.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to India, Germany and France. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $1.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for unsorted textile rags?
The HS code for unsorted textile rags is subheading 6310.90. 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 unsorted textile rags trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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