Water-based polymer paint exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported water-based polymer paint worth $176.4 million (48.7 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 5th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 161 countries. That is 14% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $228.7 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $176.4M | 48.7K t |
| 2023 | $205.6M | 53.9K t |
| 2022 | $206.6M | 62.7K t |
| 2021 | $228.7M | 71.2K t |
| 2020 | $195.5M | 68.5K t |
| 2019 | $179.9M | 67.7K t |
| 2018 | $171.1M | 64.6K t |
| 2017 | $140.8M | 60.8K t |
Where the United Kingdom exports water-based polymer paint to
Most of it went to Germany (18%), Saudi Arabia (10%), Poland (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 36%.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $31.3M | 18% |
| Saudi Arabia | $17.0M | 9.6% |
| Poland | $15.6M | 8.9% |
| Greece | $12.1M | 6.9% |
| Netherlands | $9.9M | 5.6% |
| France | $9.5M | 5.4% |
| Turkey | $8.4M | 4.8% |
| Spain | $7.3M | 4.1% |
| China | $7.0M | 4% |
| India | $5.4M | 3.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.62 per kg, close to the world average of $3.79.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Water-based polymer paint imports to the United Kingdom
Imports of water-based polymer paint by the United Kingdom reached $87.7 million in 2024 (18.5 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 222 countries. Most of the value came from Germany (34%), Spain (14%), France (14%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+157% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $30.2M | 35% |
| Spain | $12.4M | 14% |
| France | $12.4M | 14% |
| Italy | $12.0M | 14% |
| Netherlands | $6.2M | 7% |
| Sweden | $2.6M | 3% |
| Austria | $2.3M | 2.6% |
| Belgium | $2.2M | 2.6% |
| United States | $1.7M | 1.9% |
| Denmark | $1.4M | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom water-based polymer paint exports (HS 3209.90): 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 3209.90: Paints and varnishes: (based on polymers other than acrylic or vinyl), dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium.
Common questions
What is the value of water-based polymer paint exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported water-based polymer paint worth $176.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 48.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 161 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries buy water-based polymer paint from the United Kingdom?
Germany was the largest buyer with 18% of the value ($31.3 million), followed by Saudi Arabia (10%) and Poland (9%). The top three together account for 36%, out of 127 buyer countries in total. Greece grew fastest among the top ten, up 22% on the year.
What is the average export price of water-based polymer paint per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.62 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $3.79 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of water-based polymer paint from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $140.8 million in 2017 to $176.4 million in 2024, an increase of 25%. The peak was 2021 at $228.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $188.1 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import water-based polymer paint?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $87.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, Spain and France. On balance the United Kingdom is a net exporter of this product, by about $88.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for water-based polymer paint?
The HS code for water-based polymer paint is subheading 3209.90. It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3209 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
World water-based polymer paint trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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