Last Updated
2026-06-11
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose market coverage spans 18 countries.
- 41 exporter companies and 38 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
- 124 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 9 countries.
- 0 premium suppliers and 0 catalog items are currently listed.
- Wholesale sample entries: 0; farmgate sample entries: 0.
- Page data last updated on 2026-06-11.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
Analyze 124 supplier-linked transactions across the top 9 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose: Japan (-51.5%), India (-38.4%), Germany (+18.4%).
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-07, benchmark Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-12, countries with visible Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose transaction unit prices: India (86.35 USD / kg), Germany (33.62 USD / kg), United Arab Emirates (6.13 USD / kg), Colombia (1.63 USD / kg), China (1.24 USD / kg), 1 more countries.
| Country | YoY Change | Transaction Count | 2025-07 | 2025-08 | 2025-09 | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | +8.8% | 19 | 32.60 USD / kg (50 kg) | 17.24 USD / kg (72,060 kg) | - (-) | 3.10 USD / kg (73,000 kg) | 31.00 USD / kg (306.4 kg) | 1.24 USD / kg (18,000 kg) | ||||||
| Germany | +18.4% | 16 | 20.98 USD / kg (14 kg) | 22.59 USD / kg (603.5 kg) | - (-) | 33.95 USD / kg (330 kg) | 247.59 USD / kg (6 kg) | 33.62 USD / kg (1,205 kg) | ||||||
| India | -38.4% | 15 | 60.42 USD / kg (120 kg) | 54.93 USD / kg (450 kg) | - (-) | 48.33 USD / kg (10,294 kg) | 27.65 USD / kg (5,010 kg) | 86.35 USD / kg (4,865.5 kg) | ||||||
| United Arab Emirates | - | 11 | - (-) | 16.35 USD / kg (3 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | 13.29 USD / kg (2 kg) | 6.13 USD / kg (3 kg) | ||||||
| Malaysia | -3.6% | 4 | 0.86 USD / kg (5,010 kg) | 0.85 USD / kg (48,600 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | ||||||
| Colombia | - | 53 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 1.64 USD / kg (8,000 kg) | 1.63 USD / kg (11,500 kg) | ||||||
| Japan | -51.5% | 2 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 17.00 USD / kg (0.2 kg) | - (-) | 1.00 USD / kg (10 kg) | ||||||
| Spain | +1.6% | 1 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 145.59 USD / kg (27.5 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| United States | - | 3 | 5.11 USD / kg (2 kg) | - (-) | 10.22 USD / kg (2 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) |
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Global Supply Chain Coverage
79 companies
41 exporters and 38 importers are mapped for Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
41 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 41 total exporter companies in the Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Canada)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-10-13
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food ManufacturingOthers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood ManufacturingLogistics
(Greece)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-10-15
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
Exporting Countries: Pakistan
Supplying Products: Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
(China)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-11
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
Exporting Countries: Philippines, Bangladesh, Vietnam
Supplying Products: Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, Magnesium silicate, synthetic, Aluminium silicate
(Colombia)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-01-05
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Industries: Animal ProductionFood ManufacturingFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingFood Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: Ecuador, Costa Rica, Aruba
Supplying Products: Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, Poultry Feed, Chicken Eggs +5
(Vietnam)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood ManufacturingFood Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood ManufacturingRetail
Exporting Countries: Vietnam, India
Supplying Products: Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, Gum Arabic, Shellac, bleached +1
(China)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-11
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Logistics
Exporting Countries: United States, Argentina
Supplying Products: Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, Soy Sauce, Traditional Soy Sauce
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Global Exporter Coverage
41 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
38 importer companies are mapped for Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 38 total importer companies tracked for Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Kazakhstan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-02
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Philippines)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Ecuador)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-01-05
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Kazakhstan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-11-26
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Japan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
(Kazakhstan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-29
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
38 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionFood Additive (Cellulose Ether)
Market
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), also known as hypromellose, is a globally traded cellulose ether used as a multifunctional food additive (INS 464 / E464) across many Codex food categories, typically under GMP provisions. In customs and trade statistics it is commonly captured within broader “cellulose ethers” headings (e.g., HS 391239), so trade-flow data are best interpreted as a proxy category that includes HPMC alongside other cellulose ethers. UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS portal indicate major export supply is concentrated in a small set of economies (notably Germany, China, the United States, and South Korea), while large import demand includes India and the United States. Market access and buyer qualification are strongly shaped by compliance with additive permissions and specifications (Codex/GSFA, JECFA specifications, and national regulations such as the U.S. CFR).
Major Producing Countries
- GermanyProxy indicator: among the largest exporters by value of HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- ChinaProxy indicator: among the largest exporters by value of HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- United StatesProxy indicator: among the largest exporters by value of HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- South KoreaProxy indicator: among the largest exporters by value of HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- BelgiumProxy indicator: listed among notable exporters by value of HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
Major Exporting Countries
- GermanyAmong top exporters by value for HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- ChinaAmong top exporters by value for HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- United StatesAmong top exporters by value for HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- South KoreaAmong top exporters by value for HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- BelgiumAmong notable exporters by value for HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
Major Importing Countries
- IndiaAmong top importers by value for HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- United StatesAmong top importers by value for HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- ChinaAmong top importers by value for HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- TurkiyeAmong top importers by value for HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
- BrazilAmong notable importers by value for HS 391239 (other cellulose ethers, in primary forms) in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2022).
Specification
Major VarietiesHydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (INS 464 / E464), Hypromellose (types defined by methoxy and hydroxypropoxy substitution limits in pharmacopeial specifications)
Compositional Metrics
- Methoxy and hydroxypropoxy substitution content (dried basis) is used to define types of hypromellose/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in pharmacopeial specifications.
Grades
- Food additive grade aligned to Codex GSFA provisions for INS 464 (typically GMP across listed food categories)
- Pharmacopeial excipient grade (e.g., USP-NF Hypromellose monograph) used as a specification anchor in some markets
ProcessingUsed as emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener (JECFA functional class listings; also reflected in U.S. food additive regulation)Used as glazing agent and bulking agent in Codex GSFA functional class listings
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Cellulose ether production (hypromellose/HPMC) -> drying and milling into powder -> specification testing against food additive and/or pharmacopeial standards -> industrial packaging -> distribution to food manufacturers and blenders
Demand Drivers
- Demand from formulated foods requiring thickening, stabilization, emulsification, or glazing functions consistent with Codex GSFA functional classes and national permissions
- Use as a multipurpose additive under good manufacturing practice where permitted, supporting broad applicability across food categories
Risks
Supply Concentration HighGlobal trade in cellulose ethers (a proxy category that includes HPMC) is concentrated in a small set of major exporting economies, so operational disruptions, energy-cost shocks, or trade-policy constraints in key export hubs can rapidly tighten availability and raise costs for downstream food manufacturers relying on consistent grades and specifications.Qualify multiple suppliers across different exporting regions; use dual-spec sourcing strategies (e.g., Codex/JECFA-aligned plus pharmacopeial where needed) and hold safety stock for critical formulations.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMarket access depends on meeting additive permissions and conditions of use (e.g., Codex GSFA provisions and national regulations such as U.S. 21 CFR for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), and on conformance to relevant specifications (e.g., JECFA and/or pharmacopeial standards). Non-conformance can trigger shipment rejection, relabeling, or reformulation.Maintain a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction compliance matrix (Codex, EU, US, and key import markets) and require supplier documentation demonstrating conformance to applicable specifications and food-grade controls.
Trade Classification MediumHPMC is often traded and reported within broader customs headings for cellulose ethers (e.g., HS 391239), which aggregate multiple product types; this can obscure product-specific price signals and complicate benchmarking, contract indexing, and substitution risk management.Use contract specifications (CAS/INS/E-number, substitution type, performance parameters) and internal material codes to disaggregate procurement analytics beyond HS-level trade statistics.
FAQ
What are the main identifiers for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in global food additive systems?In Codex systems it is listed as INS 464, and it is commonly referenced as E 464 in European-style E-number labeling contexts. It is also widely known by the synonym “hypromellose,” and is identified by CAS 9004-65-3 in regulatory and specification references.
What functions does HPMC serve in foods?Codex GSFA lists hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose with functional classes including bulking agent, emulsifier, glazing agent, stabilizer, and thickener. U.S. 21 CFR § 172.874 also describes its use in foods (under good manufacturing practice) as an emulsifier, film former, protective colloid, stabilizer, suspending agent, or thickener.
How do major safety authorities describe its safety status?The WHO JECFA database records an ADI of “not specified” for hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (INS 464). EFSA’s re-evaluation of celluloses (including E 464) concluded there was no need for a numerical ADI and reported no safety concern at the evaluated uses and use levels for the celluloses covered.
Sources
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices
Explore country-level Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
China
Vietnam
Philippines
United States
Germany
Kazakhstan
Japan
South Korea
Bangladesh
Malaysia
United Arab Emirates
Colombia
All country market pages: China, Vietnam, Philippines, United States, Germany, Kazakhstan, Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Zambia
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