Global sales of water and ice exports reached a total of $1.33 billion in 2024. Over the past five years, the value of water and ice exports has grown by an average of 12.1%, up from $1.18 billion in 2020. Compared to 2023, there was a modest 1.2% increase in global exports, which amounted to $1.31 billion that year.

The top exporters of water and ice in 2024 were mainland China, the United States, France, Thailand, and Türkiye, which collectively accounted for over three-quarters (76%) of total water and ice exports by value.

Regionally, Asian countries led the way in export value, with shipments totaling $869.5 million, making up 65.5% of the global total. European exporters followed with 23.6%, and North American exporters contributed 8.9%. Smaller shares came from Latin America (1.5%), Oceania (0.3%), and Africa (0.2%).

For classification purposes, the Harmonized Tariff System code for ice, snow, and ordinary natural water is 220190. This category excludes sugar, sweeteners, or flavorings.

Top Exporting Countries in Water and Ice

The following 15 countries were the largest exporters of water and ice in 2024, based on the value of their exports:

1. China: $703.9 million (53% of global exports)

2. USA: $106.4 million (8%)

3. France: $88.3 million (6.6%)

4. Thailand: $56.1 million (4.2%)

5. Türkiye: $54.7 million (4.1%)

6. Norway: $34.3 million (2.6%)

7. Germany: $33.8 million (2.5%)

8. Malaysia: $29 million (2.2%)

9. Belgium: $26.7 million (2%)

10. Iceland: $26.5 million (2%)

11. Netherlands: $25.1 million (1.9%)

12. United Kingdom: $13.4 million (1%)

13. Spain: $11.1 million (0.8%)

14. Canada: $10.3 million (0.8%)

15. Italy: $10.2 million (0.8%)

Together, these 15 nations made up 92.6% of the global water and ice export market in 2024.

Growth Trends

Among the leading exporters, the fastest-growing markets for water and ice exports from 2023 to 2024 were Norway (up 44.8%), Italy (up 29.9%), Malaysia (up 19.8%), and Thailand (up 19.6%). On the other hand, countries that saw a decline in their water and ice exports included Canada (-38.5%), France (-15.2%), Iceland (-10.8%), Spain (-9.2%), and Germany (-9%).

Notable Ice Exporters

The following companies are major ice manufacturers involved in global exports, according to data from the Tendata trading platform:

1. LG Electronics Vietnam: 21.77%, $232.37 million

2. Damen Song Cam Shipyard: 6.31%, $67.33 million

3. Giken Precision Indonesia: 2.87%, $30.6 million

4. PBTF PJSC: 2.64%, $28.23 million

5. TK Resurs Yug LLC: 2.43%, $25.94 million

6. Bentoel Prima PT: 1.78%, $19 million

7. Mikkor LLC: 1.77%, $18.94 million

8. Distribuidora La Florida SA: 1.75%, $18.66 million

9. Leili Electric Vietnam: 1.44%, $15.38 million

10. Philip Morris Indonesia: 1.41%, $15.1 million