Saudi Arabia was the largest exporter with 53% of the world total, and Belgium was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Engines and thrusters that move rockets and satellites, from chemical rockets to electric and ion systems. Buyers are launch providers, satellite makers and space agencies.
Typical segments
- Chemical rocket engines
- Electric propulsion
- Cold gas thrusters
- Solid rocket motors
- Green propellant thrusters
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 24% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
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 reaction engines other than turbojets (HS 841210), the trade category that includes space propulsion systems, were worth $591.2 million in 2024. | 591.2 USD million | 2024 | |
| World exports were 24% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($476.0 million), calculated from the annual totals. | +24 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Saudi Arabia was the largest exporter in 2024, with 53% of world exports ($315.5 million). | 53 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, Saudi Arabia, the United States and France, shipped 80% of world exports in 2024. | 80 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Belgium was the largest importer in 2024, buying $132.6 million, or 22% of world imports. | 22 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 15 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 15 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $109.81 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 109.81 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 5.4 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 5.4 thousand tonnes | 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
- Launch providers
- Satellite manufacturers
- Space agencies
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
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global space propulsion systems market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 841210 reached $591.2 million in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most space propulsion systems?
Saudi Arabia led world exports in 2024 with 53% of the total, followed by the United States, France and Japan.
Which countries import the most space propulsion systems?
Belgium was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Saudi Arabia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Is world trade in space propulsion systems growing?
World exports were 24% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of space propulsion systems?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $109.81 per kilogram in 2024.
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