Natural abrasives imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
The United States imported $49.4 million of natural abrasives in 2024 (206.5 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 186 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 6% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $72.7 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 | $49.4M | 206.5K t |
| 2023 | $46.5M | 216.9K t |
| 2022 | $64.5M | 322.5K t |
| 2021 | $47.9M | 203.7K t |
| 2020 | $40.9M | 137.0K t |
| 2019 | $63.3M | 206.0K t |
| 2018 | $72.7M | 317.0K t |
| 2017 | $26.9M | 98.3K t |
Where the United States imports natural abrasives from
Most of the value came from South Africa (49%), Australia (31%), China (10%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+47% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $24.1M | 49% |
| Australia | $15.3M | 31% |
| China | $4.9M | 9.9% |
| India | $3.0M | 6.1% |
| Canada | $1.7M | 3.4% |
| Turkey | $234K | 0.5% |
| Malaysia | $40K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $33K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $20K | 0% |
| Austria | $11K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.24 per kg, close to the world average of $0.27.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Natural abrasives exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported natural abrasives worth $16.7 million (25.7 thousand tonnes). It ranks 5th of 107 countries for exports of this product. The largest buyer markets were Canada (38%), Mexico (28%), Netherlands (3%). Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+133% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $6.3M | 38% |
| Mexico | $4.6M | 28% |
| Netherlands | $564K | 3.4% |
| Germany | $371K | 2.2% |
| Trinidad and Tobago | $293K | 1.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $245K | 1.5% |
| Singapore | $244K | 1.5% |
| India | $232K | 1.4% |
| China | $230K | 1.4% |
| Chile | $228K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States natural abrasives imports (HS 2513.20): 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 2513.20: Emery, natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives, whether or not heat-treated.
Common questions
What is the value of natural abrasives imported by the United States?
The United States imported natural abrasives worth $49.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 206.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 186 countries worldwide, with 18% of world imports. The value was up 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply natural abrasives to the United States?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 49% of the value ($24.1 million), followed by Australia (31%) and China (10%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 101% on the year.
What is the average import price of natural abrasives per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.24 per kg in 2024, 11% below the world average of $0.27 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of natural abrasives to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $26.9 million in 2017 to $49.4 million in 2024, an increase of 84%. The peak was 2018 at $72.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $51.5 million a year.
Does the United States also export natural abrasives?
Yes. The United States exported $16.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Canada, Mexico and the Netherlands. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $32.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for natural abrasives?
The HS code for natural abrasives is subheading 2513.20. It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2513 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for the United States. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
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