Fluorescent brightening agents imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of fluorescent brightening agents by the United States reached $47.5 million in 2024 (6.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 170 countries. Value fell 5% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $78.6 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 | $47.5M | 6.0K t |
| 2023 | $50.2M | 7.7K t |
| 2022 | $77.7M | 9.9K t |
| 2021 | $61.0M | 8.7K t |
| 2020 | $58.1M | 7.9K t |
| 2019 | $77.7M | 10.5K t |
| 2018 | $78.6M | 10.9K t |
| 2017 | $64.0M | 10.6K t |
Where the United States imports fluorescent brightening agents from
The largest suppliers were Switzerland (29%), India (25%), Taiwan (21%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+154% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $13.6M | 29% |
| India | $11.8M | 25% |
| Taiwan | $10.0M | 21% |
| Germany | $5.3M | 11% |
| China | $3.4M | 7.1% |
| United Kingdom | $727K | 1.5% |
| Belgium | $669K | 1.4% |
| Mexico | $620K | 1.3% |
| South Korea | $412K | 0.9% |
| Italy | $232K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.94 per kg, 124% above the world average of $3.54. 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.
Fluorescent brightening agents exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported fluorescent brightening agents worth $28.3 million (8.2 thousand tonnes). It ranks 5th of 95 countries for exports of this product. The largest buyer markets were Canada (47%), Mexico (8%), China (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+503% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $13.3M | 47% |
| Mexico | $2.2M | 8% |
| China | $1.9M | 6.7% |
| Germany | $1.7M | 6.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $945K | 3.3% |
| France | $621K | 2.2% |
| South Korea | $537K | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $508K | 1.8% |
| Colombia | $499K | 1.8% |
| Honduras | $471K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States fluorescent brightening agents imports (HS 3204.20): 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 3204.20: Dyes: synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents.
Common questions
What is the value of fluorescent brightening agents imported by the United States?
The United States imported fluorescent brightening agents worth $47.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 170 countries worldwide, with 8% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply fluorescent brightening agents to the United States?
Switzerland was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($13.6 million), followed by India (25%) and Taiwan (21%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 565% on the year.
What is the average import price of fluorescent brightening agents per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.94 per kg in 2024, 124% above the world average of $3.54 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of fluorescent brightening agents to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $64.0 million in 2017 to $47.5 million in 2024, a fall of 26%. The peak was 2018 at $78.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $64.3 million a year.
Does the United States also export fluorescent brightening agents?
Yes. The United States exported $28.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Canada, Mexico and China. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $19.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for fluorescent brightening agents?
The HS code for fluorescent brightening agents is subheading 3204.20. 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 3204 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United States 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 fluorescent brightening agents trade: top importers and exporters
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