Product intelligence · HS 391211 · 2024 data

Cellulose acetates: non-plasticised, in primary forms

Global exports of cellulose acetates: non-plasticised, in primary forms totalled $632,132,513 in 2024, a +7.4% change from the previous year. Traded by 83 countries across 656 bilateral corridors, with demand from 138 importing markets. The long-term trend is growing.

Data: OECD BIMTS · Coverage: 19952024 · Updated: 2026-07-17

Global trade

$632.1M

+7.4% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

+4.8%

5Y: +3.7%

Supply structure

Concentrated

HHI 0.707

Volatility

Low

Score 6/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, cellulose acetates: non-plasticised, in primary forms trade exhibited strong growth, with global flows reaching $632,132,513 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of +4.8% (five-year: +3.7%). The all-time peak of $778,416,286 was recorded in 2014; the current level is 19% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 66% of years recorded positive growth, indicating a predominantly expanding market. Trend momentum is strengthening (+6.9% acceleration).

The World Trade Flows Characterization classifies cellulose acetates: non-plasticised, in primary forms as "One-way trade" in the medium price range price segment, providing additional context for market positioning and competitive dynamics.

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is concentrated (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.707). The three largest exporters — United States ($529.5M), China ($61.8M), and Japan ($33.8M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at +3.0% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is moderately concentrated (HHI 0.196). The three largest import markets are China ($213.3M), Belgium ($136.9M), and South Korea ($77.7M). The largest importing market sources from 14 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -22.49. Buyers are highly price-sensitive and can switch between suppliers relatively easily.

The dominant trade corridor is United States → China at $187.3M, representing 87.8% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for cellulose acetates: non-plasticised, in primary forms is 6 out of 100, classified as low. Trade flows are relatively stable compared to other HS6 products, suggesting mature supply chains and predictable demand.

For market entrants, strong demand tailwinds create a favourable entry environment. The concentrated supply structure suggests high barriers but also potential opportunity if dominant suppliers face disruption or capacity constraints.

Data confidence is rated "High" based on reporting coverage and consistency across OECD member and partner countries.

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $778,416,286 in 2014. Currently 19% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$621,182,983-20.2%
2016$581,815,487-6.3%
2017$510,971,439-12.2%
2018$531,513,625+4.0%
2019$528,249,698-0.6%
2020$470,951,949-10.8%
2021$548,587,575+16.5%
2022$543,319,434-1.0%
2023$588,517,192+8.3%
2024$632,132,513+7.4%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of cellulose acetates: non-plasticised, in primary forms in 2024.

View all 83 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for cellulose acetates: non-plasticised, in primary forms.

View all 138 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for cellulose acetates: non-plasticised, in primary forms, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1United StatesChina$187.3M+12.1%
2United StatesBelgium$128.5M+17.5%
3United StatesSouth Korea$76.7M+7.1%
4United StatesBrazil$73.6M+26.8%
5ChinaRussia$41.1M+6495.2%
6JapanChina$25.8M+45.5%
7United StatesItaly$18.4M+8.7%
8United StatesLithuania$11.4M+27.2%

Showing top 8 of 10 corridors with available data for 2024.

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Sources, definitions & methodology

Data source

OECD Bilateral International Merchandise Trade Statistics (BIMTS). Aggregated from 312M+ reported trade records across 200+ countries and 5,300+ HS6 product codes. Coverage: 19952024.

Key indicators

HHI (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index): market concentration, 0 = fully diversified, 1 = single player. CAGR: compound annual growth rate over a stated period. Volatility score: trade value variability, 0–100 scale.

How this page is made

All statistical content on this page is data-driven, composed programmatically from live OECD trade records. No generic AI-generated prose is used. Analytical paragraphs combine real data points with factual interpretation. This page was last refreshed on 2026-07-17.