Lactic acid imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
The United States imported $80.9 million of lactic acid in 2024 (25.5 thousand tonnes). It ranks 2nd of 170 countries for imports of this product. That is 40% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $80.9M | 25.5K t |
| 2023 | $57.9M | 15.2K t |
| 2022 | $90.2M | 32.1K t |
| 2021 | $76.1M | 34.2K t |
| 2020 | $62.7M | 25.5K t |
| 2019 | $54.2M | 20.5K t |
| 2018 | $56.8M | 21.6K t |
| 2017 | $50.4M | 19.1K t |
Where the United States imports lactic acid from
The largest suppliers were Netherlands (34%), Belgium (14%), China (13%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+119% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $27.4M | 34% |
| Belgium | $11.1M | 14% |
| China | $10.6M | 13% |
| Spain | $9.0M | 11% |
| France | $7.3M | 9.1% |
| Germany | $4.1M | 5% |
| Thailand | $3.4M | 4.2% |
| India | $2.4M | 3% |
| Japan | $1.8M | 2.3% |
| Israel | $1.4M | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.17 per kg, 59% above the world average of $1.99. 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.
Lactic acid exports from the United States
The United States exported $32.4 million of lactic acid in 2024 (9.6 thousand tonnes). It ranks 7th of 89 countries for exports of this product. The largest buyer markets were Canada (39%), Mexico (20%), China (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Ireland grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $12.8M | 40% |
| Mexico | $6.5M | 20% |
| China | $1.8M | 5.6% |
| Israel | $1.6M | 5% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 4.3% |
| Hong Kong | $1.0M | 3.1% |
| Netherlands | $936K | 2.9% |
| Poland | $859K | 2.7% |
| South Korea | $740K | 2.3% |
| Ireland | $646K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States lactic acid imports (HS 2918.11): 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 2918.11: Acids: carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), lactic acid, its salts and esters.
Common questions
What is the value of lactic acid imported by the United States?
The United States imported lactic acid worth $80.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 25.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 170 countries worldwide, with 10% of world imports. The value was up 40% on 2023.
Which countries supply lactic acid to the United States?
The Netherlands was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($27.4 million), followed by Belgium (14%) and China (13%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 119% on the year.
What is the average import price of lactic acid per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.17 per kg in 2024, 59% above the world average of $1.99 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of lactic acid to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $50.4 million in 2017 to $80.9 million in 2024, an increase of 60%. The peak was 2022 at $90.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $66.1 million a year.
Does the United States also export lactic acid?
Yes. The United States exported $32.4 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 $48.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for lactic acid?
The HS code for lactic acid is subheading 2918.11. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2918 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.
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