Opium alkaloids imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of opium alkaloids by the United States reached $107.8 million in 2024 (144 tonnes). That makes it the largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 141 countries. Value fell 12% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $188.1 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 | $107.8M | 144 t |
| 2023 | $122.0M | 153 t |
| 2022 | $122.7M | 142 t |
| 2021 | $122.9M | 88 t |
| 2020 | $144.5M | 89 t |
| 2019 | $172.1M | 138 t |
| 2018 | $168.2M | 104 t |
| 2017 | $188.1M | 84 t |
Where the United States imports opium alkaloids from
Most of the value came from Australia (31%), United Kingdom (28%), Czech Republic (19%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $33.2M | 31% |
| United Kingdom | $30.0M | 28% |
| Czech Republic | $20.2M | 19% |
| Germany | $14.5M | 13% |
| Spain | $4.3M | 4% |
| Switzerland | $1.8M | 1.7% |
| Denmark | $1.8M | 1.7% |
| Turkey | $1.4M | 1.3% |
| India | $508K | 0.5% |
| Taiwan | $171K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $748.24 per kg, 54% above the world average of $485.56. 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.
Opium alkaloids exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported opium alkaloids worth $13.6 million (13 tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 50 countries. Most of it went to United Kingdom (39%), Australia (21%), Colombia (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+87% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $5.3M | 39% |
| Australia | $2.9M | 21% |
| Colombia | $1.3M | 9.3% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 9.3% |
| Brazil | $679K | 5% |
| Switzerland | $494K | 3.6% |
| Italy | $403K | 3% |
| Canada | $198K | 1.5% |
| Israel | $139K | 1% |
| India | $128K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States opium alkaloids imports (HS 2939.11): 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 2939.11: Alkaloids: of opium and their derivatives: salts thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of opium alkaloids imported by the United States?
The United States imported opium alkaloids worth $107.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 144 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 141 countries worldwide, with 29% of world imports. The value was down 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply opium alkaloids to the United States?
Australia was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($33.2 million), followed by the United Kingdom (28%) and the Czech Republic (19%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 169% on the year.
What is the average import price of opium alkaloids per kg?
The average declared import value was about $748.24 per kg in 2024, 54% above the world average of $485.56 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of opium alkaloids to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $188.1 million in 2017 to $107.8 million in 2024, a fall of 43%. The peak was 2017 at $188.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $143.5 million a year.
Does the United States also export opium alkaloids?
Yes. The United States exported $13.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Kingdom, Australia and Colombia. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $94.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for opium alkaloids?
The HS code for opium alkaloids is subheading 2939.11. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2939 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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