The United States was the largest exporter with 18% of the world total, and Germany was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Non-woven abrasives are open fibre pads, wheels and belts coated with abrasive grain for finishing and cleaning. Buyers are metalworking shops, woodworking firms and auto repair.
Typical segments
- Surface conditioning discs
- Hand pads
- Wheels and belts
- Rolls
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 23% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- China is gaining ground: its exports rose 63% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of natural or artificial abrasive powder or grain, on a base of materials other than woven (HS 680530), the trade category that includes non-woven abrasives, were worth $2.29 billion in 2024. | 2.29 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 23% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($1.86 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +23 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest exporter in 2024, with 18% of world exports ($401.7 million). | 18 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, the United States, Germany and China, shipped 39% of world exports in 2024. | 39 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Germany was the largest importer in 2024, buying $311.2 million, or 14% of world imports. | 14 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 50 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 50 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $13.66 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 13.66 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 167.6 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 167.6 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, China grew fastest, with exports up 63% from 2019 to 2024. | +63 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Metalworking shops
- Woodworking firms
- Automotive repair shops
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global non-woven abrasives market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 680530 reached $2.29 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most non-woven abrasives?
The United States led world exports in 2024 with 18% of the total, followed by Germany, China and Mexico.
Which countries import the most non-woven abrasives?
Germany was the largest importer in 2024, followed by the United States, Poland and China.
Is world trade in non-woven abrasives growing?
World exports were 23% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of non-woven abrasives?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $13.66 per kilogram in 2024.
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