Cationic surfactant exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
The United States exported $93.4 million of cationic surfactant in 2024 (20.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 2nd of 96 countries for exports of this product. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $93.4M | 20.3K t |
| 2023 | $95.1M | 18.4K t |
| 2022 | $100.4M | 21.2K t |
| 2021 | $85.8M | 18.5K t |
| 2020 | $86.6M | 19.6K t |
| 2019 | $81.6M | 18.6K t |
| 2018 | $96.8M | 22.4K t |
| 2017 | $91.2M | 24.1K t |
Where the United States exports cationic surfactant to
Most of it went to Canada (45%), Brazil (12%), China (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+119% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $42.4M | 45% |
| Brazil | $11.2M | 12% |
| China | $6.3M | 6.7% |
| Mexico | $4.6M | 4.9% |
| Australia | $4.1M | 4.4% |
| Netherlands | $2.1M | 2.2% |
| India | $2.1M | 2.2% |
| New Zealand | $1.9M | 2.1% |
| Colombia | $1.6M | 1.7% |
| South Korea | $1.4M | 1.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.60 per kg, 84% above the world average of $2.50. 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.
Cationic surfactant imports to the United States
In 2024, the United States imported cationic surfactant worth $54.8 million (17.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 183 countries for imports of this product. The largest suppliers were South Korea (34%), Canada (17%), Mexico (17%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+118% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $18.7M | 34% |
| Canada | $9.4M | 17% |
| Mexico | $9.3M | 17% |
| China | $8.6M | 16% |
| Germany | $2.1M | 3.8% |
| India | $1.6M | 3% |
| Japan | $1.5M | 2.7% |
| Ireland | $845K | 1.5% |
| Brazil | $496K | 0.9% |
| United Kingdom | $319K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States cationic surfactant exports (HS 3402.12): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 3402.12: Organic surface-active agents: cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of cationic surfactant exported by the United States?
The United States exported cationic surfactant worth $93.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 20.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 96 countries worldwide, with 14% of world exports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy cationic surfactant from the United States?
Canada was the largest buyer with 45% of the value ($42.4 million), followed by Brazil (12%) and China (7%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 99 buyer countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 119% on the year.
What is the average export price of cationic surfactant per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.60 per kg in 2024, 84% above the world average of $2.50 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of cationic surfactant from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $91.2 million in 2017 to $93.4 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2022 at $100.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $91.4 million a year.
Does the United States also import cationic surfactant?
Yes. The United States imported $54.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from South Korea, Canada and Mexico. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $38.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for cationic surfactant?
The HS code for cationic surfactant is subheading 3402.12. It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3402 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World cationic surfactant trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.