Whey protein exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of whey protein by the United States reached $43.9 million in 2024 (620 tonnes). It ranks 1st of 68 countries for exports of this product. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $43.9M | 620 t |
| 2023 | $43.0M | 854 t |
| 2022 | $42.7M | 574 t |
| 2021 | $48.2M | 696 t |
| 2020 | $34.9M | 718 t |
| 2019 | $45.5M | 4.2K t |
| 2018 | $26.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $29.1M | 633 t |
Where the United States exports whey protein to
Most of it went to United Kingdom (19%), Germany (17%), France (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, South Korea grew fastest (+83% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $8.5M | 20% |
| Germany | $7.6M | 17% |
| France | $5.4M | 12% |
| Japan | $3.9M | 8.9% |
| Taiwan | $2.7M | 6.1% |
| South Korea | $2.4M | 5.5% |
| Ireland | $2.3M | 5.3% |
| New Zealand | $1.6M | 3.5% |
| Canada | $1.4M | 3.2% |
| Netherlands | $1.4M | 3.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $70.77 per kg, 703% above the world average of $8.81. 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.
Whey protein imports to the United States
Imports of whey protein by the United States reached $24.2 million in 2024 (276 tonnes). It ranks 2nd of 147 countries for imports of this product. One supplier dominates: United Kingdom accounted for 64% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+165% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $15.5M | 64% |
| New Zealand | $2.3M | 9.4% |
| Lithuania | $1.8M | 7.6% |
| China | $1.7M | 7.2% |
| India | $1.2M | 4.8% |
| Germany | $541K | 2.2% |
| Australia | $453K | 1.9% |
| Canada | $368K | 1.5% |
| Denmark | $108K | 0.4% |
| Mexico | $82K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States whey protein exports (HS 3502.90): 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 3502.90: Albumins, albuminates and other albumin derivatives: other than egg or milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins.
Common questions
What is the value of whey protein exported by the United States?
The United States exported whey protein worth $43.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 620 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 68 countries worldwide, with 25% of world exports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy whey protein from the United States?
The United Kingdom was the largest buyer with 19% of the value ($8.5 million), followed by Germany (17%) and France (12%). The top three together account for 49%, out of 81 buyer countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 83% on the year.
What is the average export price of whey protein per kg?
The average declared export value was about $70.77 per kg in 2024, 703% above the world average of $8.81 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of whey protein from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $29.1 million in 2017 to $43.9 million in 2024, an increase of 51%. The peak was 2021 at $48.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $39.2 million a year.
Does the United States also import whey protein?
Yes. The United States imported $24.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Lithuania. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $19.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for whey protein?
The HS code for whey protein is subheading 3502.90. It sits in HS chapter 35 (albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3502 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
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