Edible oil · importers
The United Kingdom ranks eleventh of 96 at $3.0B in the fats and oils chapter, one of three markets separated by only a few hundred million dollars.
| Market | HS 15 imports |
|---|---|
| United States | $17.2B |
| India | $16.8B |
| China | $12.6B |
| Netherlands | $8.6B |
| Italy | $7.0B |
Figures are for the whole of HS chapter 15 (animal or vegetable fats and oils). Source: UN Comtrade, as reported by national authorities; latest available year per market.
Belgium sits above at $3.2B and Turkey below at $2.9B. The UK’s 2.1% share of reported world imports is almost indistinguishable from either neighbour, so treat the place as approximate. The chapter is 0.4% of its $813.3B imports and ranks 40th among its import chapters, far behind machinery at $98.6B, precious stones at $92.0B and vehicles at $88.4B.
British demand for oils comes from the food-service trade, from manufacturers of baked goods, snacks and spreads, and from retail bottled oils. The takeaway and fish-and-chip sector is a notable frying-oil user, and large retailers set detailed standards for supplier oils used in own-label products.
Ask the importer which of these routes it serves before sending specifications, because a frying-oil supplier and a retail bottler ask for quite different things.
Trade procedures and labelling rules have changed for many goods since 2020, and sustainability expectations for palm oil are strong among retailers. Confirm the current import and labelling conditions with the authorities and the buyer, and do not rely on older guidance. China, the USA, Germany and France lead the UK’s overall source list, which covers every product.
The $3.0B is the full value of chapter 15, animal and vegetable fats and oils, so edible vegetable oils form only part of it, and re-exports can shift where a country lands.
Consignees show up in customs shipment records for the oil headings. Fix Incoterm, currency, payment terms and arrival port with any prospect, then reach out through this site’s free marketplace.
Eleventh of 96 markets at $3.0B in 2024, a 2.1% share of reported world imports, between Belgium and Turkey.
Foodservice suppliers, food manufacturers and retailers bottling own-label products.
Procedures and labelling requirements have changed for many products in recent years.
Open shipment data for the oil headings and sort by consignee to see who takes regular cargoes.
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