Live reptiles imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of live reptiles by the United States reached $14.0 million in 2024 (132 tonnes). It ranks 1st of 97 countries for imports of this product. That is 10% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $20.4 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 | $14.0M | 132 t |
| 2023 | $12.7M | 34 t |
| 2022 | $17.7M | 217 t |
| 2021 | $20.4M | 192 t |
| 2020 | $14.3M | 187 t |
| 2019 | $12.2M | 219 t |
| 2018 | $10.7M | 196 t |
| 2017 | $9.9M | 234 t |
Where the United States imports live reptiles from
Most of the value came from El Salvador (15%), Germany (10%), Indonesia (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 33%. Among the main suppliers, Ecuador grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| El Salvador | $2.1M | 15% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 9.5% |
| Indonesia | $1.2M | 8.6% |
| Ecuador | $1.1M | 7.9% |
| Canada | $1.1M | 7.9% |
| Thailand | $774K | 5.5% |
| Vietnam | $719K | 5.1% |
| South Korea | $624K | 4.5% |
| Togo | $542K | 3.9% |
| Poland | $358K | 2.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $106.33 per kg, 153% above the world average of $42.11. 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.
Live reptiles exports from the United States
The United States exported $5.4 million of live reptiles in 2024 (12 tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 102 countries. The largest buyer markets were Japan (28%), Taiwan (15%), Hong Kong (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Taiwan grew fastest (+437% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $1.5M | 28% |
| Taiwan | $815K | 15% |
| Hong Kong | $715K | 13% |
| Canada | $505K | 9.4% |
| South Korea | $433K | 8.1% |
| Germany | $403K | 7.5% |
| United Kingdom | $271K | 5.1% |
| India | $153K | 2.9% |
| Guatemala | $135K | 2.5% |
| Malaysia | $90K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 0106.20: Reptiles: live (including snakes and turtles).
Common questions
What is the value of live reptiles imported by the United States?
The United States imported live reptiles worth $14.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 132 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 97 countries worldwide, with 23% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply live reptiles to the United States?
El Salvador was the largest supplier with 15% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by Germany (10%) and Indonesia (9%). The top three together account for 33%, out of 59 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 246% on the year.
What is the average import price of live reptiles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $106.33 per kg in 2024, 153% above the world average of $42.11 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of live reptiles to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.9 million in 2017 to $14.0 million in 2024, an increase of 42%. The peak was 2021 at $20.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does the United States also export live reptiles?
Yes. The United States exported $5.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $8.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for live reptiles?
The HS code for live reptiles is subheading 0106.20. It sits in HS chapter 01 (animals; live). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0106 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States with shipment-level records, updated weekly, so you can see importers and exporters by name with dates, quantities and declared values. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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